The incomparable William Byrd wrote two versions of this motet based on the Gradual for Easter Sunday. The first, for six voices, was written in 1591 and the second, for three, in 1605.
I was happy to discover this fine edition of Haec Dies for three voices on ChoralWiki, skillfully arranged by the Rev. Anthony Cekada. Thankfully, it's in clear, easy-to-read modern notation with standard treble and bass clef, along with helpful dynamic markings and a metronome marking, features which are not always available on some purist editions of Renaissance music.
Another valuable feature is the addition of a keyboard reduction of all parts which could also be used as an accompaniment if so desired. We will sing this acapella, but I like to play reductions of new polyphonic pieces during the week on the piano so the singing members of my family can assimilate them without too much effort.
Our altitude-loving sopranos were happy to learn that the editor raised the final series of Alleluias an octave higher than the original. The original ending is perhaps a bit prosaic, so I'd have to agree that the string of high F's in Fr. Cekada's edition adds a welcome and appropriate sparkle to the conclusion of the piece.
(An mp3 recording by Amici Cantores may be purchased here for $0.89.)
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