laude

Laude is a term with several related meanings in Latin and Italian. In Latin, laude is the ablative singular of laus, meaning “in praise” or “by praise,” and appears in phrases that denote praise or eulogy. In Italian, laude (plural of lauda) refers to a specific genre of devotional songs and poems.

Laude as a musical and lyrical genre emerged in medieval and early modern Italy as vernacular religious verse set to music. They were typically created for lay and religious confraternities and were performed in churches, processions, and private devotion. The texts often focus on Marian devotion, Christ’s passion, saints, or Christian virtues, and the form is usually simple and direct, though later examples could be more elaborate. Laude can be monophonic, with a single melodic line, and some later pieces show polyphonic treatment, especially as sacred music traditions evolved.

Geographically, laude have strongest historical associations with northern and central Italy, including regions such as Lombardy, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna, though the practice varied by locality and period. While the genre declined with the rise of more formal liturgical music, laude have remained an important part of Italy’s musical and religious heritage, with modern performances and revival efforts preserving the tradition in certain communities.

See also: Laus (Latin), Lauda (religious song in other traditions), devotional poetry.