Profile of Carlo Gesualdo

Born:

Uncertain, probably March 8,1566

Birthplace:

Naples, Italy

Died:

September 8, 1613 in Gesualdo, Avellino

Also known as:

Don Carlo Gesualdo, Prince of Venosa, Count of Conza and innovative composer of Italian Madrigal.

Type of Compositions:

He wrote madrigals ,that were first conservative but would later become more chromatic, sacred and secular vocal music and instrumental music.

Musical Work:

His works consist of 6 books of five-part madrigals, 2 books of motets, one of responsories and several keyboard music pieces.

Interesting Fact:

Gesualdo was married to his first cousin Maria d'Avalos. Maria had an affair with the Duke of Andria for almost 2 years. When Gesualdo found out about the affair, he pretended to go to a hunting trip only to return and find his wife and her lover in bed. It is said that Gesualdo murdered his wife and the Duke and had their bodies carried to a public place in Naples for all to see. Gesualdo was never prosecuted for his crime.