Scarlatti
ALESSANDRO, an Italian composer, born in 1659, who was the founder of the Neapolitan school of music, in which most of the composers of the 18th century were trained. Scarlatti originated the overture. He is said to have written 200 masses, 115 operas, and 3,000 cantatas. His writings, though they produced a revolution in the style of operatic music, are almost all completely forgotten. He died in Naples, Oct. 24, 1725. His son DOMENICO (1683- 1757) was considered the greatest harpsichord plaver (pianist) of his time. SCARLET