Here's a beloved Italian Christmas Carol that has touched many people around the world...

"...perhaps the oldest Christmas Song in Italy, ascribed to Sant'Alfonso Maria de' Liguori, a catholic bishop who wrote this song in Nola, Naples circa 1754." -Gian Carlo

Below you'll find the lyrics for "Tu scendi dalle stelle" with an English translation, mp3 recordings and YouTubes. People often sing only the first two verses.

Tu scendi dalle stelle - Italian Children's Songs - Italy - Mama Lisa's World: Children's Songs and Rhymes from Around the World  - Intro Image

Notes

Tu scendi dalle stelle was composed circa 1754 by Saint Alfonso Maria de' Liguori (1696-1787), a Neapolitan bishop. This carol was originally written in the Neapolitan dialect and was called Quanno nascette Ninno. The song was later re-written in standard Italian by Pope Pius IX and became a famous carol throughout the world.

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1st Recording: Damian Borkowski sings old italian christmas carol "Tu scendi dalle stelle" from XVIII century. It's author - Alfonso Maria de Liguori - was a foundator of Redemptorist Brotherhood. Arrangement comes from CPDL.org and it was made by Francesco Spiga (CPDL#27024). Piano play and recording by Michal Biedziuk. This recording was transposed up by two semitones. Arrangement made by Francesco Spiga from CPDL.org (CPDL #27024) used for this recording under LinuxTag Yellow OpenMusic License.

In the 2nd recording, you can hear verses 1 & 2 above followed by:

Tu lasci del tuo Padre il divin seno
per venire a tremar su questo fieno,
per venire a tremar su questo fieno,
Caro eletto del mio petto
dove amor ti trasportò
o Gesù mio
perché tanto patir per amor mio?
perché tanto patir per amor mio?

English Translation:

You leave the divine shelter of your Father
To come and tremble on this hay
To come and tremble on this hay.
Dear chosen one of my heart,
To where love brought you!
Oh my Jesus,
Why suffer so much for your love of me?
Why suffer so much for your love of me?

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2nd Recording: Romano

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3rd Recording: Thanks to Monique Palomares for singing this for us!

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Sheet Music

Sheet Music - Tu scendi dalle stelle

Thanks and Acknowledgements

English Translations: Gian Carlo Macchi, Monique Palomares and Lisa Yannucci.
Midi Music: Monique.

Many thanks also to Gian Carlo Macchi for contributing the complete song.

Image: The Nativity, Gerard David, Flemish, 1495.

Grazie mille!