Haec dies is a six-part Latin motet by the renaissance English composer William Byrd (1543-1623). It is included in his Cantiones sacrae of 1591. It is one of only four six-part works contained in this mostly five-part collection.

This work is unique. It contains some most remarkable hemiola, both simultaneous and consecutive. This rhythmic device lends an air of intriguing rhythmic complexity to the work and adds depth to the joyous nature of the work. Particularly noteworthy are the dazzling Alleluias with which the piece ends, which are based on a passage in the bass. The jubilant style is very accessible to a modern audience, and it is an often-performed work.

This work seems to have been conceived with Cantate Domino, with which it shares many features. These similarities include a triple-meter middle section, similar length of their tripartite formal structure and similarly placed pauses. Both works are similarly jubilant in style and are contained in the Cantiones sacrae.



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