Il Verso was born at Piazza Armerina, and began his musical studies under the guidance of Pietro Vinci.
Back in Sicily settled in Palermo where he taught music at the Convent of San Domenico, on Via dei Bambinai.
He was an exponent of mannerism and set to music verses major poets such as Torquato Tasso and Gabriello Chiabrera in addition to the major poets of the period.
He often utilised melodies of other composers, modifying their style but not distorting their compositional integrity.
Il Verso is honoured today as the patron composer of the Palermo-based Associazione per la musica antica Antonio Il Verso, and the early music group Studio di Musica Antica Antonio Il Verso, frequently directed by Gabriel Garrido.