Tommaso Traetta

Tommaso Traetta, a luminary of the Neapolitan School, was an Italian composer who left an indelible mark on the operatic world of the 18th century. Born in Bitonto on March 30, 1727, Traetta's prolific career spanned a wide range of genres, with a particular focus on opera seria, opera buffa, and drammi giocosi. His innovative compositions, alongside those of Niccolò Jommelli, paved the way for the reforms championed by Christoph Willibald Gluck. Traetta's music resonated across Europe, earning him a prestigious position as a composer for Catherine the Great in Saint Petersburg, Russia. With over 25 opere serie and numerous other works to his name, Traetta's legacy endures as a testament to his enduring influence on classical music.