It is presumed that Gesualdo was borne in the year 1560. After ordering the murder of his wife, her lover, and their infant in 1590, the Prince of Venosa, as he is sometimes known, traveled from his native Naples to northern Italy. In 1594, he married a noblewoman, Eleonora d'Este and settled withe her in her home at the court of Ferrara. The death of Duke Alfonso II d'Este, in1597, marked the end of Ferrara's role as a cultural center. This prompted Gesualdo to return to Naples. He is well known for the daring chromatic harmonies of his madrigals. Of his six volumes of five-part madrigals, the last two especially reveal a dramatic, highly innovative harmonic style aimed at emotional expression. He died in the year 1613.
 

Vocal Music
 

MADRIGAL: Six volumes of five-part madrigals.