Born in Naples in 1779, he was son of Giuseppe Lanza, an Italian composer who spent many years in England, and for some time was musician to John Hamilton, 1st Marquess of Abercorn.
He composed the music for Arbitration, Outwitted at Last and The Deserts of Arabia premiered at the Covent Garden Opera House on 20 November 1806, the principal characters included Miss Brunton (later Louisa, Countess of Craven) and Mrs Maria Theresa Kemble[1][2] From his father Gesualdo received instruction in music, and became known in London as a singing-master.
[3] In 1829 he produced proposals for a Royal Panarmonion Theatre and Pleasure Gardens in King's Cross, London.
[4] In 1842 Lanza started singing classes for exposition of his theories at 75 Newman Street; the fee was 15 shillings.
He also composed a Stabat Mater, preserved in the library of the Royal College of Music, solfeggi, and songs.