Haec est dies I

This jubilant motet is designed for Eastertide. Its text, drawn from the liturgy for the season, opens with the exultant cry, 'This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.' The composer Jacob Handl masterfully sets this exultation for double SATB choir, creating a rich and resonant sound world. The motet unfolds through verses celebrating the Easter Paschal Lamb and proclaiming God's eternal mercy, with each section building in intensity and grandeur. The contrapuntal writing and harmonic richness are characteristic of Handl’s sacred music, making this a powerful and uplifting choice for Easter celebrations.