An important Italian 18th Century composer, Leonardo de Leo had his music education in Naples and was appointed organist in the Viceroy's chapel in 1713. Leo soon reached the position of maestro di cappella. Leo was a teacher at the Turchini Conservatory and became primo maestro there. Leo created more than 60 stage works. Leo was especially important in Neapolitan musical comedy. Leo was the first composer to include chorus into Neapolitan opera seria.