A distinguished Italian composer, Tommaso Traetta studied with Nicola Porpora in Naples. In 1751, Traetta had a significant success with his opera Il Farnace. In 1759, Traetta assumed the position of court composer in Parma. Due to his popularity, Traetta was commissioned many operas including Antigona that was performed with enormous success in St. Petersburg. Traetta, like Gluck, introduced many important innovative ideas to the genre of opera.