“A la Nanita Nana” is a Spanish villancico (carol), in which the the words “A la nanita nana” are similar to the English “lullay” or “lullaby.” The melody was composed for voice and piano by José Ramón Gomis (1856-1939), born in Novelda, Alicante, Spain; the lyrics were written by the Spanish priest and author Juan Francisco Muñoz y Pabón (1866-1920). The score was published in 1904.
In Pabón’s lyric and as a Christmas carol, the object of the refrain is the infant Jesus. As a lullaby, the refrain may be sung to niño (boy) or niña (girl). Following are the refrain in Spanish, followed by an English paraphrase:
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea.
Mi Jesús [niño or niña] tiene sueño, bendito sea, bendito sea.
Come, let us sing a li le lullaby.
My Jesus [child] is sleepy; blessed be, blessed be.
This charming arrangement for young and developing bands features contrasting instrument textures, attractive harmonies in thirds and sixths, delightful dance-like rhythms, and colorful percussion parts. The change from minor tonality in the refrain to major tonality in the verses is a feature of certain Spanish folk songs.
Instrumentation
Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Bb Clarinet 1-2, Bass Clarinet, Eb Alto Sax, Bb Tenor Sax, Eb Baritone Sax, Bb Trumpet 1-2, F Horn, Trombone, Euphonium B.C./T.C., Tuba, Xylophone, Marimba, Snare Drum, Tambourine/Castanets.
Band Set and Score, printed — $45.00
Band Set and Score, ePrint — $45.00
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