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DOMUS PATRIS

When the Child Jesus was born

A traditional Christmas song from Naples [04:02]

“When the Child Jesus was born” is one of the most famous and charming pieces by St. Alfonso Maria de’ Liguori (1696 – 1787). This song, written in the dialect of Naples, even today is frequently sung on Naples’ streets and alleys at Christmas Feasts.

The clip includes three of the four first strophes of the song. The whole song is made by 28 strophes.

St. Alfonso probably composed also the music of the song, as he was not only a cultivated man of letters but also a musician. This joyful music with a pastoral rhythm conveys to us emotions and the sense of mystery in the meantime.

Worldwide the author is famous for another Christmas song : “Tu scendi dalle stelle” , that is “You are descending from stars”.

Translation and Credits

When the Child was born at Bethlehem
It was night but it seemed noon.
The stars were brilliant,
wonderful as never before…
and the briightest went to call the Three Kings from East.

At once birds woke up
and chirped in a totally new way;
even crickets jumping here and there
with their chirps were saying:
He was born, he was born,
He, God who created us.

In a country called Engedi
vines blossomed and grapes sprouted up.
My Child, so tasteful, full of love,
Y...

A Song or a little Poem?

St. Alfonso Maria de’ Liguori is the author of many famous songs, both in Italian ( like Tu scendi dalle stelle, You are desending from stars) and in Naples’ dialect, as the one we can listen from singers walking around Naples’ streets: Quanno nascette Ninno (When the little Child Jesus was born).

It is more a poem than a song, full of lively and bright descriptions, linguistic inventions, joy and respect for the extraordinary event of God beco...