In music history, the Neapolitan School is a group, associated with opera, of 18th century composers who studied or worked in Naples, Italy.[1] The best known of which is Alessandro Scarlatti, with whom, "modern opera begins".[2]
It is with the Neapolitan school...that the History of Modern Music commences—in so far as that music speaks the language of the feelings, emotions, and passions.—Schluter[3]
The Neapolitan School has been considered in between the Roman School and the Venetian School in importance.[3]
However, "The concept of Neapolitan school, or more particularly Neapolitan opera, has been questioned by a number of scholars. That Naples was a significant musical center in the 18th century is beyond doubt. Whether the composers working in Naples at that time developed or partook of a distinct and characteristic musical style is less clear." since so little is known about the repertory.[1]