Carlo Gesualdo di Venosa

Italian late Renaissance composer Carlo Gesualdo was born in Venosa, probably on 8 March 1566. His family had acquired the pricipality of Venosa in 1560. Little is known of his early life, but he seemed to be devoted entirely to music from an early age, playing the lute, guitar and harpsichord. He was Prince of Venosa and Count of Conza.

He is remembered for his chromatic musical language in expressive madrigals and sacred music, but also for his infamous double murder of his first wife and her lover (and allegedly, his second son by this first wife and also his father-in-law).

Following the murders, he fled to Venosa, but was able to remarry later, although the end of his life was spent in isolation and depression. He died in Gesualdo on 8 September 1613.

A selection of M&V articles about Carlo Gesualdo di Venosa

DVD Spotlight. Chamber Opera - Works by Sciarrino and Messiaen, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... quite eclectic ...'

Ensemble. Compelling Settings - Lassus, Gesualdo, Purcell, Byrd, J S Bach, Bruckner, Brahms and Tucapský from the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record Box. Passion and Intensity - Vocal music by Gesualdo, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Especially Dramatic - Premières by Sheriff and McCabe, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Stylistic Variety - Passiontide music sung by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler