Carlo Gesualdo , known as Gesualdo da Venosa ( born probably 8 March 1566 ; died 8 September 1613 ) , Prince of Venosa and Count of Conza , was an Italian music composer , lutenist and murderer . He lived in the late part of the Renaissance period . Carlo Gesualdo , known as Gesualdo da Venosa ( March 8 , 1566 -- September 8 , 1613 ) , Prince of Venosa and Count of Conza , was an Italian music composer , lutenist and nobleman of the late Renaissance .