Date:
Late 14th century (c. 1399)
Description:
Laudemus Virginem is one of the ten surviving musical pieces from the Llibre Vermell de Montserrat, a manuscript compiled at the monastery of Montserrat in Catalonia. This hymn praises the Virgin Mary and reflects the devotional atmosphere of the pilgrimage site. It is a monophonic chant designed for communal singing, possibly by groups of pilgrims.
Discussion:
Unlike many sacred chants, Laudemus Virginem was meant to be sung not during liturgical service but in informal devotion, particularly by pilgrims visiting Montserrat. The manuscript explicitly notes that the pieces were intended for dancing or group singing, while maintaining reverence. The song’s structure is syllabic and repetitive, aiding memorisation and performance by non-specialist singers.
The Llibre Vermell is an invaluable source for late medieval music, uniquely bridging the gap between sacred tradition and popular religious practice.
Composer:
Anonymous
Arranged by:
Modern editions have been arranged for solo voice, vocal ensembles (unison or two-part), or early instruments (e.g., recorders, harp, vielle).
Sheet Music:
Available in scholarly editions of the Llibre Vermell, as well as in anthologies of medieval music.
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf, mus or musescore file
Parts:
Monophonic (solo or unison singing); may be adapted for instruments or simple harmony
Type:
Medieval Marian hymn (devotional, not liturgical)
Language:
Latin
Ranges:
Narrow and accessible; well-suited for all voice types, including young or beginner singers
Advice for beginners:
Focus on clarity of Latin text and evenness of phrasing. The melody is simple and repetitive, ideal for developing a sense of breath control and line. Use gentle phrasing to highlight the meditative quality, and keep a steady, dance-like pulse if sung in procession or informal settings.
Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference. mid