Francesco Scarlatti was an Italian Baroque composer born on 5 December 1666 in Palermo, Sicily. As the younger brother of the famous Alessandro Scarlatti, he spent much of his life overshadowed by his relatives. However, Francesco was talented in his own right, holding various musical appointments throughout his career. After studying at the Conservatorio in Naples, he became a violinist at the Chapel Royal, which caused some jealousy among local musicians.

In 1690, Scarlatti married Rosalina Albano, with whom he had five children before her death in 1706. Later, he travelled across Europe, eventually moving to London in 1719, possibly at the invitation of Handel. Although little is known about his time in London, he likely worked in theatre orchestras. He later relocated to Dublin, marrying a woman named Jane, and was last recorded in January 1741. Sadly, it is believed that he died shortly afterwards. Despite his lesser-known status, Francesco Scarlatti contributed significantly to Baroque music.