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”.