Variations on an Italian Noel ("Tu scendi dalle stelle")

Carlotta Ferrari (b. 1975) is an Italian composer. Educated at the Conservatory in Milan, she has composed in many genres, developing a personal language that is concerned with the blend of past and present. Her compositions have been performed frequently around the world. Ferrari’s music appears on several CD recordings, including seven all-Ferrari organ CDs: four recorded by Carson Cooman (2014/16/18) and three by Peter Clark (2015/16/18). She served as chair of music composition at Hebei Normal University in Shijiazhuang, China and is currently professor of music composition at the European School of Economics in Florence, Italy.

This enjoyable work dates from 1975. It is based upon the famous Christmas song, "Tu scendi dalle stelle" - "From Starry Skies Thou Comest", "From Starry Skies Descending", "You Came a Star from Heaven", "You Come Down from the Stars"). It is a Christmas carol from Italy, written in 1744 in Bovino by Saint Alphonsus Liguori in the musical style of a pastorale. Though found in numerous arrangements and commonly sung, it is traditionally associated with the zampogna, or large-format Italian bagpipe.

The variations are colorful and engaging, and while the music itself is quite conservative, the writing is effective. You'll need good technique (strong and relaxed fingers and wrist!) to play this quickly enough! I know mine ached for days after I did it, so, what does THAT say about my technique?!? ;-)

This would make an excellent Christmas recital number, particularly if you play in a parish that has a large Italian population in the congregation.

I dedicate this performance to my long and excellent friend, Pietro! His endless kindness is more than you could expect from any good friend, yet he is always there with his goodness. THANK YOU, Pietro!

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of the composer, Carlotta Ferrari.

The translate text of the carol is given in the First Comment.

Peace and blessings to All!