Take Celtic Woman and add in one of Ireland’s greatest songs, the Parting Glass, and the result is spinetingling, musical magic. Lots of great acts have performed the Parting Glass, but this takes it to a new level.
The song is a traditional Irish folk tune, with the singer saying their goodbyes to friends and loved ones over a final drink together – the parting glass.
Although the lyrics are open to interpretation, as to whether the singer is foreseeing their impending death, or simply moving away from their home and friends.
Both stories could be true for the people of Ireland, as for more than a century people have left their homes to go and seek better lives elsewhere.
And of course, like all places, people reach the end of their lives and want to share a few special moments with their friends and family before they pass.
The song works on a number of levels, with joy and sadness both prominent throughout, making it one of the most poignant and emotive Irish folk songs.
It is a popular choice to be played at funerals, as the haunting melody and descriptive lyrics combine to create a hugely emotional experience of both celebration and loss.
Celtic Woman are one of the great bands out there that can do this song true justice.
They are accompanied by a professional orchestra and perform in front of a live theatre audience, adding to the drama and sense of occasion.
On top of that, are their stunning dresses, which bring to mind a trio of Disney princesses, and the expert choreography and harmonies Celtic Woman bring to their performances.
The rendition was recorded and posted on YouTube and has been viewed millions of times, with each viewer likely to have returned to watch the stunning show at least one more time.
The comments are all positive and many viewers had their own personal connection to the song, making it all the more emotional to see it being performed so beautifully.
Take a look for yourself below.
