The Parting Glass & We Wish You a Merry Christmas – 17th century Scottish/19th century English – arranged by William Berry
Live performance recording by Clarion – 2023 Holiday Special filmed and produced by KSPS-PBS
5:10

This pairing was prompted in part by necessity – many holiday songs are short and repetitive, so having more material to draw from adds depth – and in part from the creative desire to find the common ground to meld these two songs. The Parting Glass helped bring out the melancholy in We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and We Wish you brought out the cheerful camaraderie in Parting Glass. Together they honor the wistfulness of the changing year, the passing of time, and the joyous memories of friends not present even as we celebrate at holiday gatherings with food and drink. Nothing lasts forever, so raise a glass.