Gaetano Latilla

Gaetano latilla (* January 12, 1711 in Bari, † January 15, 1788 in Naples) was an Italian opera composer. He was a teacher of several composers of the Neapolitan school, including by Antonio Sacchini and his nephew Niccolò Piccini.

Life and work

Born in Bari Gaetano latilla studied at Loreto Conservatory in Naples. In the spring of 1732 he made his debut as an opera composer at the Teatro dei Fiorentini in Naples with his opera buffa Li mariti a forza. 1738-1741 he was Vice-Kapellmeister in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. From 1754 to 1766 he was maestro di coro at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, one of the then most prestigious music schools. From 1762 he also served as Vice-Kapellmeister at the side of Baldassare Galuppi at St. Mark's Basilica. In 1766 he gave up all offices in Venice, which he visited only once in 1774, and returned to Naples.

Latilla wrote numerous operas were premiered in Naples, Rome and Venice. He also composed a number of sacred pieces for choir and orchestra of the Pietà in Venice.