Bambino Dalle Stelle (Child of the Stars)

Bambino dalle stelle (Child of the Stars) is an SATB choral arrangement based on the traditional Italian Christmas carol Tu scendi dalla stelle (From Starry Skies Descending).

Tu scendi dalla stelle is amongst the oldest of Christmas songs in Italy. The original version was written in the mid-1700s in Naples by the Catholic Bishop of Sant’Agata dei Goti, Alfonso Maria de’ Ligouri. At that time it was called Quanno nascette Ninno and was written in the Neapolitan dialect in the style of a pastorale.

The song was later re-written in Italian by Pope Pius IX and thereafter it became famous as a Christmas carol all over the world.

Originally containing seven verses, today’s performances of the carol in Italy generally include only the first two verses. Notable recordings and performances of the carol include those by Sergio Franchi, Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti.

This English language arrangement has been extended to four verses. Verses 1 and 2 are adaptations of the first two verses of the original; the third verse tells of the adoration of the shepherds and the wise men; and the fourth is based on some ideas inspired by the remaining verses of the original version.

Instrumental accompaniment

Available separately is an instrumental accompaniment scored for string quintet and glockenspiel.