Pietro Filippo Scarlatti

Full biography Pietro Filippo Scarlatti

Pietro Filippo Scarlatti was an Italian composer who was born on August 2, 1679 in Palermo, Sicily. He was the son of the prominent composer Alessandro Scarlatti and had several siblings who also became musicians.

Pietro Filippo Scarlatti began his musical training under his father's tutelage and showed remarkable talent from a young age. He later studied music with Francesco Gasparini and Giovanni Bononcini in Rome, where he composed his first opera "L'Errore Innocente" at the age of 23.

Throughout his career, Scarlatti composed numerous operas, cantatas, oratorios, and chamber music, which were performed in major cities across Italy. His works were known for their melodic invention, expressive harmonies, and intricate counterpoint.

Scarlatti was often compared to his father, who was one of the most renowned composers of his time. However, his music exhibited a distinct style that was more progressive and experimental compared to Alessandro's style.

In his final years, Scarlatti served as the maestro di cappella of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he composed sacred music and supervised the choir. He died on February 22, 1760, at the age of 80, leaving behind a rich legacy of music that continues to be studied and performed today.