Nicolo Porpora, an Italian composer, born in Naples about 1686, died there in 1767. He was instructed by Scarlatti, and first brought himself into notice at Vienna, where he gained the approbation of the emperor Charles VI. In 1726 he entered upon a career of great success at Venice, and in 1728 went to Dresden as director of the theatre and of music in the court chapel. In 1731 he established at Naples a school of vocalism, in which Farinelli, Caffa-relli, and other celebrated singers were educated. In 1733 he was engaged by a party opposed to Handel to direct a rival opera in London; but, although supported by Senesino, Cuzzoni, and Farinelli, he failed to make any impression and returned to Italy. About 1750 he established himself in Vienna, where Haydn came under his influence; and subsequently he became principal master at the Incurabili conservatory in Venice. Late in life he retired to Naples, and died in indigence. His works comprise 50 operas and a great number of masses, cantatas, sonatas, etc.

He figures in George Sand's novel " Consuelo".