Carlo Gesualdo(1560-1613)
- Composer
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Born into the Italian nobility, Don Carlo Gesualdo developed an early
and passionate interest in music. Though recognized as a dynamic
composer who was far ahead of his time, Gesualdo's brilliance as a
musical talent has been overshadowed by his violent personal life.
After discovering his wife (and first cousin), the lovely and charming
Maria d'Avalos, in the arms of the Duke of Andria, Gesualdo flew into a
jealous rage and stabbed them both to death. He fled to northern Italy
to avoid persecution, and was never tried nor punished for his crimes.
His second wife was Eleonora d'Este, a highborn lady whose powerful
family included the Dukes of Ferrara and Modena. Gesualdo treated his
second bride as dismally as his first, and his death in 1613 was
rumored to have been arranged by the vengeful Eleonora. The incredible
chromatic harmony and wild contrasts in his music seem to be a
reflection of Gesualdo's temptestuous personality. His mania for
constantly composing music may have been a sign of melomania.
