Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle

In 2006 I started what has become a tradition for this blog, posting videos of my favorite Italiano Christmas carol, Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle. It was written by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, a doctor of the Catholic Church in 1744. It is sung every year at the end of Midnight Mass at the Vatican as the Pope processes out. It never fails to tug at my heart each time I hear it. After sharing a few versions I will print the lyrics as well as the translation.

I have to always start out with the video that started it out. This version is a lighthearted version by a paisan of mine.

 

 

Next up is an instrumental version of the carol.



Yes, playing an accordian is acceptable for Italianos. However, for those of you who are into a little more classical style of music



Here is a version done by a boys' choir in Brazil



Finally, I repeat the video of the Pope at the 2009 Midnight Mass processing out with some children to the precipio with Il Bambino Gesu.

AUGURI di BUON NATALE

Tu scendi dalle stelle
(Italian)

Tu scendi dalle stelle
O Re del Cielo
E vieni in una grotta
Al freddo al gelo
E vieni in una grotta
Al freddo al gelo.

O Bambino mio Divino
Io ti vedo qui a tremar,
O Dio Beato!
Ah, quanto ti costò
L’avermi amato.
Ah, quanto ti costò
L’avermi amato.

A te che sei del mondo,
Il creatore,
Mancano panni e fuoco,
O mio Signore.
Mancano panni e fuoco,
O mio Signore.

Caro eletto pargoletto,
Quanto questa povertà
Più mi innamora,
Giacchè ti fece amor
Povero ancora.
Giacchè ti fece amor
Povero ancora.

You Come Down from the Stars
(English Translation)

You come down from the stars
Oh King of Heavens,
And you come in a cave
In the cold, in the frost.
And you come in a cave
In the cold, in the frost.

Oh my Divine Baby
I see you trembling here,
Oh Blessed God
Ah, how much it cost you,
Your loving me.
Ah, how much it cost you,
Your loving me.

For you, who are of all the world
The creator,
No robes and fire,
Oh my Lord,
No robes and fire,
Oh my Lord.

Dear chosen one, little infant,
This dire poverty,
Makes me love you more,
Since Love made you
Poor now,
Since Love made you
Poor now.