motet notes - Byrd

"Haec dies" is from the third of Byrd’s published collections of Cantiones Sacrae.  The setting from Psalm 117: 24, a joyful and extrovert Easter text, expresses the exultation of the day through a triad elaborated by quick, stepwise motion.  In triple meter, the motet employs ample rhythmic variety and close imitation.

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