Music and Merchants. The Laudesi Companies of Republican Florence

Abstract

The laudesi companies, founded in the 13th c. at several Florentine monastic churches, serve as focal points for lay devotion. The laudesi gathered together to sing vernacular praises to God, the Virgin, and the saints. While many had regular jobs as guild members, there were several full-time laudesi. The laudesi companies flourished into the 15th c., when political turmoil and repeated suppressions caused lasting damage. The musical practices of the companies and the development of professional lauda singers are examined. (Blazekovic, Zdravko)