Carlo Gesualdo da Venosa (1566–1613) was an Italian nobleman and composer known for his intensely expressive madrigals and pieces of sacred music, which employed a chromatic language not heard again until the late 19th century. Born into a prominent noble family in Venosa, Italy, Gesualdo was the second son of the Second Prince of Venosa. His early life was marked by tragedy with the death of his mother when he was seven, after which he was sent to Rome under the care of his uncle, Alfonso, Archbishop of Naples.

Gesualdo's life took a dramatic turn in 1584 when his older brother died, making him the heir to the family titles. In 1586, he married his first cousin, Maria d'Avalos, who was already twice-widowed. The marriage, however, ended in scandal and violence when Gesualdo discovered Maria in an affair with Fabrizio Carafa, Duke of Andria. On October 17, 1590, Gesualdo, with the help of his servants, murdered both his wife and her lover. Despite the public outrage, he faced no legal repercussions due to the social norms of the time that permitted such acts of revenge by noblemen.

Following the incident, Gesualdo retreated to his family estate and later remarried Eleonora d'Este in 1594. His time in Ferrara brought him into contact with influential artists and composers, further shaping his musical style. Gesualdo's compositions, particularly his six books of madrigals, are noted for their complexity and emotional depth, reflecting his tumultuous life. He spent his final years in seclusion and died in 1613 at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy as both a pioneering composer and a notorious figure in music history.