Niccolo Antonio Porpora

Niccolò Antonio Porpora , 1686-1766, Italian composer and one of the greatest singing teachers. As an opera composer he was employed to be Handel's rival in London, but he is remembered for his vocal teaching. Metastasio and Haydn were among his pupils, as were many of the major singers of the 18th cent., including Farinelli.

Porpora, Nicola Antonio (b Naples, 1686; d Naples, 1768). It. composer and singing teacher. Earliest operas prod. in Naples (from 1708). Taught in Naples 1715–21, producing many brilliant graduates. As teacher, held posts in several It. cities, in Ger., and in Austria. Went to London 1733 to est. opera in rivalry to Handel but was no match for him. Returned to Venice and Vienna (where Haydn was for a time his pupil), and eventually to Naples where he comp. his last opera, 1760. Died in poverty. Wrote 48 operas, oratorios, syms., 12 vn. sonatas, etc.