Haec Dies - William Byrd [1540 - 1623]

This motet is from the Missale Romanum and is the Gradual after the Epistle and before the Sequence Victimae Paschali. It was composed for 6 voices (SSATTB)for the Traditional Tridentine Mass. Byrds' composition shares much in common with Palestrina. Both employ 6 voices; both are essentially jubilant in character; and both have rhythmic pattern duple for the words "Haec dies quam fecit Dominus" and for the final "Alleluia" section, triple for the middle section "exultemus et laetemur in ea". Byrd expresses his joy in this piece through polyphony, the voices engaging in subtle cross-rhythms.

Latin:
Haec dies quam fecit Dominus;
exultemus et laetemur in ea.
Alleluia.

English translation:
This is the day which the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Alleluia.

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  • Music

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• Music

  • "Haec dies a 5 (Gradualia II, 1607) (2004 Remastered Version)" by Cambridge King's College Choir, Sir David Willcocks & King's College Choir, Cambridge (iTunes)