Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In 2008 cellist extraordinaire Yo Yo Ma released Songs of Joy & Peace. It introduced me to several songs I had never heard before including today’s feature. From the research I did online, I discovered it is an Irish carol possibly dating back to the 15th century. It was transcribed in the late 19th century by Irish composer & historian, W. H. Grattan Flood, while he was the organist at St. Aidan’s Cathedral in Enniscorthy, Ireland.

Ma’s always gorgeous and elegant playing combined with a traditional arrangement, a beautiful gentle vocal by bluegrass artist Alison Krauss underscored by the evocative bagpipes by Cristina Pato make for an absolutely stunning track. It has earned a permanent place on my holiday playlist.

Top: Ma’s 2008 album. Middle: Alison Krauss in the video for today’s song. Bottom: Galician piper Cristina Pato. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Yo-Yo Ma featuring Alison Krauss: “The Wexford Carol” (2008, traditional).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!