spirituale

Spirituale is an Italian adjective meaning spiritual, relating to the spirit, the soul, or religious life. In Italian usage, it describes ideas, practices, or experiences associated with spirituality, religion, or inner life. The term also appears in noun-like expressions but is most commonly used as an adjective.

Etymology: The word derives from the Latin spiritualis, from spiritus (breath, spirit). It is cognate with English spiritual and with similar terms in other Romance languages.

In music, spirituale is used as a stylistic directive indicating a contemplative or sacred mood. It is not a formal tempo marking but a mood or character indication that may accompany dynamics, phrasing, or texture in scores, especially in Italian-language or sacred repertoire. In English-language contexts, "spiritual" denotes the related tradition of African American sacred songs, while the Italian "spirituale" would be its linguistic counterpart when used by Italian editors or composers.

In broader cultural or scholarly contexts, spirituale can designate works, practices, or discussions that emphasize spiritual experience or religious sensibility. It appears in art, philosophy, and theology writings to convey a focus on transcendence, devotion, or inner life.

See also: Spiritual, Spirituality, Spiritualism, Spirituals, Italian terms for spirituality.