Although mystery shrouds his life story, Italian composer Sigismondo d'India (ca. 1582-1629) is recognized for his contribution to the "Seconda Practicca," vocal music that figures in the transition between the Renaissance and Baroque. From a noble background, d'India was a pioneer of monodic song and his heartfelt, rather dissonant music won him favor at the court of the Duke of Savoy. Intrigue forced him to the house of Cardinal Maurizio in 1624; in this position d'India began to write sacred music as well. Not long after losing out to Monteverdi for a more significant post, d'India died; the cause remains unknown.