ANTONIO LEAL MOREIRA  

The Portuguese composer António Moreira had his early musical training at the Patriarchal Seminary in Lisbon, later serving there as assistant to his teacher, Carvalho, and as organist. In 1787 he became mestre de capela of the Portuguese royal chapel, followed by appointments as music director at the Teatro da Rua dos Condes and in 1793 at the newly opened Teatro de S. Carlos. He enjoyed a successful military career during the war with France. His compositions include operas, serenades, oratorios, sacred music and a few orchestral works.

Operas, Serenades, Oratorios and Instrumental Music

Moreira set both Italian and Portguese libretti in works influenced by composers such as Paisiello and Cimarosa. His serenades and oratorios often have a dramatic element. He left relatively little instrumental music.