From Starry Skies Descending

An Italian Carol

This is translated from a poem, "Tu scendi dalle Stelle," by Pope Pius IX (1846-1878) and set to a melody by Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787).

The melody is closely related to the Neapolitan "Carol of the Bagpipers."
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer
MIDI sequenced by Bill Egan

1. From starry skies descending,
Thou comest, glorious King,
A manger low Thy bed,
In winter's icy sting;

2. O my dearest Child most holy,
Shudd'ring, trembling in the cold!
Great God, Thou lovest me!
What suff'ring Thou didst bear,
That I near Thee might be!

3. Thou art the world's Creator,
God's own and true Word,
Yet here no robe, no fire
For Thee, Divine Lord.

4. Dearest, fairest, sweetest Infant,
Dire this state of poverty.
The more I care for Thee,
Since Thou, o Love Divine,
Will'st now so poor to be.

See A Garritan Community Christmas for an MP3:
Tu scendi dalle Stelle, Fabio Vicentini

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