Recitative
| O di Betlemme altera povertà venturosa! |
O noble and fortunate poverty of Bethlehem, |
| Se chi fece ogni cosa, se chi muove ogni sfera |
If the maker of all, the mover of every sphere |
| In te discende, e l’autor della luce, |
Descends upon you, and the source of light, |
| Ne suoi primi vagiti a te risplende |
Giving his first cries, shines on you! |
Aria
| Dal bel seno d’una stella |
From the shapely breast of a star |
| Spunta a noi l’eterno sole. |
The eternal sun rises for us. |
| Dauna pura verginella |
From a young pure virgin |
| Nacque gia l’eterna prole. |
Eternal offspring is now born. |
Recitative
| Presa d’uomo la forma, alle gelide tempre |
Assuming human form, |
| D’inclemente stagione soggiace |
The great infant is exposed |
| Il gran Bambino. |
To the icy trial of inclement weather. |
| E d’acerbo destino per sottrarre al rigore |
To save fallen humanity |
| L’humanita cadente |
From the rigors of harsh fate |
| Del suo corpo innocente |
His innocent body’s |
| Fa scudo a noi l’appasionato amore. |
Passionate love is our shield. |
Aria
| L’autor d’ogni mio bene |
The source of all my riches |
| Scioglie le mie catene |
Wrapped in swaddling bands |
| E stretto, e in fasce. |
Loosens my chains. |
| Il tutto ei fe dal nulla, |
He made everything from nothing, |
| Eppur lo veggio in culla |
And yet I see him in the cradle, |
| E in terra nasce. |
Born upon earth. |
Recitative
| Fortunati pastori giacchè v’è dato in sorte |
Lucky shepherds, since it has fallen to your lot |
| Che il signor della vita immortale, |
That the Lord of life, immortal, never created, |
| Increato respiri fra divoi l’aure primiere! |
Should draw his first breaths in your midst! |
| Al dolce suon giulivo di zampogne innocenti |
To the gentle, festive sounds of innocent bagpipes |
| D’un Dio fatto mortale |
Rush to celebrate the lofty birth |
| Correte a celebrar l’alto Natale. |
Of God made mortal. |
Aria
| Tocco la prima sorte a voi, pastori, |
The greatest fortune was yours, shepherds |
| Perche si fa Gesu di Dio l’Agnello. |
For Jesus has become the Lamb of God. |
| Offrite alla sua cuna I vostri cuori |
Offer your hearts at his cradle, |
| Mirate quanto è vago e quanto è bello mirate. |
And marvel the miracle of his birth. |
| Lasciate I vostri armenti e la capanna |
Leave your flocks and huts, |
| Abbandonate si le pecorelle. |
Yes, forsake your sheep. |
| Ve’ una speranza in lui che non v’inganna |
He embodies a hope that does not deceive you |
| E chi vi puo dar loco in fra le stelle speranza. |
And can give you a place amongst the stars. |
Text and translations by Matthew Dirst, Ars Lyrica Houston Founder and Artistic Director