Hic est dies praeclarus

Teodoro Riccio wrote this motet for SATTB voices, setting a Latin text that celebrates a glorious day when the saviour of the world appeared. The lyrics, drawn from prophecies, angelic adoration, and the magi's journey guided by a star, describe the joyful recognition and offering of gifts to this divine figure. Riccio's setting of this sacred text would have been intended for liturgical use within the Roman Catholic tradition, likely as a motet sung during a significant feast day. The vocal writing for five parts offers rich harmonic possibilities and expressive scope for a skilled choir to convey the solemnity and jubilation of the text.