Carlo Gesualdo, Prince of Venosa (1566–1613), stands as one of the most innovative and enigmatic composers of the late Renaissance. A nobleman, lutenist, and composer, Gesualdo is best known for his intensely expressive madrigals and sacred music that used a chromatic idiom far ahead of its time, both stylistically and harmonically. Born into a life of privilege and wealth in the Kingdom of Naples, his music was influenced by the emotional turmoil and drama of his own life, including the infamous murder of his first wife and her lover upon discovering their affair, an act that would shadow his legacy and infuse his works with a profound depth of feeling.

Despite the sensational aspects of his biography, Gesualdo's musical legacy is uncontestably significant. His collections of "Madrigali a cinque voci" have been continuously analyzed for their bold chromaticism and unconventional resolutions that appeared to anticipate the harmonic experiments of the Baroque era. His "Tenebræ Responsoria" pieces, which set the bleak and lamenting texts of the Holy Week services, are equally noteworthy for their intense expressiveness and striking harmonies. Trends in modern performances, including reinterpretation for guitar and string orchestra, emphasize Gesualdo's continuing relevance and influence, demonstrating that his works sound as innovative and haunting in the 21st century as they did when they were first penned at the dawn of the 17th.

Genres

Classical

Early Music

Italian Renaissance

Madrigal

Medieval

Renaissance

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Latest Release

Gesualdo: Silenzio mio. Il quarto libro di madrigali

Carlo Gesualdo•

Collegium Vocale Gent•

Philippe Herreweghe

Album - 21 Tracks - Released September 13, 2024