While Handel was the at the forefront of baroque opera in London, his counterpart Johann Adolph Hasse was leading the Italian opera scene in Germany. After training under Porpora and Scarlatti in Italy, Hasse became the director of Dresden Opera in 1731. At this time Dresden Opera became the epicentre of Italian operatic creation, and the popularity of the form was sustained a number of years after it had grown out of favor in London.
In his lifetime, Hasse wrote more than 60 operas, primarily in the opera seria style, as well as many oratorios and other works. His work was praised for the beautiful melodies, and adherence to form.
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