audiemus

Audiemus is a term used in contemporary musicology and sound studies to denote a practice or invitation centered on attentive listening. Derived from the Latin audire, meaning “to hear,” audiemus literally translates to “we shall hear” or “let us hear.” While the form is the first-person plural future, in modern usage it functions more as a concept or guiding principle than as a strict grammatical instruction.

Origins and usage: The term appears in scholarly and artistic discourse from the late 20th century onward, where it is applied to performances, installations, and broadcasting formats that foreground perception. It is often used in program notes or as a descriptive label for works that require an active listening stance from the audience.

Practice: Works associated with audiemus typically emphasize listening as a shared, participatory act. Characteristics may include quiet dynamics, extended duration, spatial sound fields, and a focus on texture and ambience. The listener is frequently positioned within a specific acoustic environment, making the act of listening an integral component of the experience. The approach is common in electroacoustic music, site-specific installations, and radio art.

Reception: Audiemus is not a standardized genre term, and its meaning can vary by context. Proponents view it as a useful frame for discussing perceptual engagement and sonic awareness, while critics note its vagueness or its use as marketing in programming.

See also: active listening, acoustic ecology, sound art, listening practice, and sound installation.