Composer

:

John Sheppard

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Part Song

Average_duration

:

2:04

Haec Dies Quam Fecit Dominus is a sacred choral work composed by John Sheppard, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece is believed to have been composed in the 1550s or 1560s, during the reign of Queen Mary I. It is a six-part motet, written for two sopranos, two altos, tenor, and bass voices. The piece was likely composed for use in the liturgy of the Catholic Church, which was the official religion of England at the time. It is a setting of the Latin text from Psalm 118, which is traditionally used as the Gradual chant for Easter Sunday. The text celebrates the resurrection of Christ and the triumph of life over death. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the text. The first movement is a joyful and exuberant setting of the opening words, "Haec dies quam fecit Dominus" ("This is the day which the Lord has made"). The music is characterized by lively rhythms, bright harmonies, and soaring melodic lines. The second movement is a more contemplative setting of the text, "Confitemini Domino quoniam bonus" ("Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good"). The music is slower and more introspective, with rich harmonies and expressive melodic lines. The final movement is a triumphant setting of the text, "Lapidem quem reprobaverunt aedificantes" ("The stone which the builders rejected"). The music is characterized by bold, majestic harmonies and powerful rhythms, reflecting the triumph of Christ over death and the ultimate victory of life. Overall, Haec Dies Quam Fecit Dominus is a masterful example of Renaissance choral music, showcasing Sheppard's skillful use of harmony, melody, and rhythm to convey the meaning and emotion of the text. Its joyful exuberance, contemplative introspection, and triumphant grandeur make it a fitting tribute to the Easter season and the resurrection of Christ.

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