O quam gloriosum est regnum is an imitative motet by the renaissance English composer William Byrd (1543-1623). Many of Byrd's motets, including this one, use imitative counterpoint, which Byrd spent his life increasingly refining. This work from his middle period of composition is a fine example of Byrd's imitative motets. It is contained in his 1589 publication Cantiones Sacrae.

Comparisons are commonly made between this work and another work contained in the 1589 Cantiones Sacrae, the hypoaeolian Defecit in dolore. While this work is, on the surface, quite a different work with a different atmosphere, both works are similar in section and overall length. They share the same choir format, with two sopranos, which open both works.

O quam gloriosum is an intricate and densely composed work, which is, nonetheless, popular with and accessible to modern audiences. The Ionian modality gives a major feel and the modern-sounding triadic writing and 6-5 progressions work together to create a most approachable work.



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