His use of the orchestra follows French and Italian practice in including guitars, lutes, and harpsichords amongst the continuo instruments.
From 1693, after the exile of his predecessor Sebastián Durón, Literes became the Master of the Capilla Real of Madrid, playing the bass viol and soon being accounted the greatest Spanish court composer of his time.
His most famous work was Acis y Galatea (1708), to a libretto by José de Canizares, which enjoyed frequent performances in Madrid's Spanish court and public theatres until at least 1774.
After 200 years of neglect it was recorded on CD in 2003 by Al Ayre Español, with an enthusiastic critical response.
[2] The earlier through-sung, allegorical opera in Italian style Los elementos and the partially extant Júpiter y Danae have also been successfully revived.