This edition was prepared by William Chimiak — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A la nanita nana
Staff Notation • Sacred, Christmas
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3 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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A la nanita nana — Lyrics
A la nanita nana,
a lullaby for the holy Infant,
See, baby Jesus sleeps, blessed little baby, blessed holy Child.
Fountain runs clear as crystal, rills gently trickling,
Nightingale sings in forests, trills softly sounding,
While quietly, so quietly, His cradle’s rocking.
A la nanita nana, the baby Jesus.
Roses and lilies in abundance surround Him,
And the breezes softly play, as the Infant smiles in His sleep.
Red and white remind us of wine and bread, sacrifice to come,
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About A la nanita nana
This arrangement of the traditional Spanish carol begins with a gentle, rocking motif, establishing the lullaby character. The SATB voices weave together, at times homophonically supporting the melody, at others creating a richer texture with independent lines. The English translation of the lyrics focuses on the tender imagery of the Nativity: the sleeping Infant Jesus, the natural world offering its beauty, and the symbolic colours of roses and lilies. These elements speak of peace and innocence, yet also hint at the future sacrifice through the colours red and white. The music reflects this, with moments of serene beauty and underlying tenderness, creating a warm and devotional atmosphere suitable for Christmas.
