Description

 

Voicing - SSA Chorus, a cappella

Level - Intermediate

Language - Latin

Duration - 3:00

Category - Sacred, Thankfulness, Rejoicing

 

Haec Dies was written and premiered at Grace Lutheran Church in Hockessin, DE on Sunday, June 21st, 2015. The piece was scheduled to be used as a simple and uplifting prelude to begin the service, but at the same time that I began setting this text, I felt distracted by many of the stories in the news and social media. So many of these stories centered on hate, suffering, and sadness, often close to home. There are many settings that I know well that truly capture the joy and gladness of this text. Particularly, one of the famous settings by William Byrd rang through my ears when I sat down at the piano. In homage to such a great composer and piece, I began to quote the joyful simplicity, the sectional structure, and the dancelike quality of his setting. In the process of writting this, I was reminded of the joy that music itself can bring and of the happiness found in creating music either by yourself or with others. And so I offer this in the hope that despite the darkness, we may continue to find peace and joy in every day.

 

 

Text

Traditional Latin Text

 

Haec dies, quam fecit Dominus:

Exultemus et laetemur in ea. Alleluia.

 

Translation

 

This is the day the Lord has made:

Let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia.