An Italian operatic composer who was a student of Casella, Valente, Fenaroli and Paisiello. Coccia was not molded into a parrott of Paisiello -- which was often the case for his pupils -- and was compared to the likes of Mayr. Opinions of his works wavered. At his nadir his operas were considered plagiaristic and careless and at Coccia's zenith his operas demonstrated his determination, pathos and critical acclaim. Audiences were never quite warmed to his work but he was enabled to hold positions and produce his operas in Venice, Lisbon and London. Besides operas, Coccia also composed several masses and sacred music. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi