This Italian composer wrote a number of comic operas, serious operas, masses, motets, cantatas, oratorios and keyboard concertos and was one of the most important operatic composers during his life time. His forte was comic opera having presented works in northern Italy and then returning to his home in Naples where Paisiello established himself as a prominent composer. Between 1776 and 1784 he served in the court of Catherine II in St. Petersburg as the master of the chapel. While serving in her court Paisiello composed "Il barbiere di Siviglia" (The Barber of Seville) which was written in Gluck's reform approach. Returning to Naples to serve the King, "Nina" was scored as a sentimental comic opera. Thereafter Paisiello turned to serious opera. He spent a short time in Paris conducting music in Napoleon's service and returned once again to Naples though under French control. Paisiello composed in excess of eighty operas with caressing melodies in an easy but lively style. ~ Keith Johnson