Happy Holidays! Dan Fogelberg’s beautiful and reflective composition “Same Auld Lang Syne” receives an update with a “3/4 waltz meter,” a new arrangement, and also a short sample from “River” by Joni Mitchell entwined. This video was beautifully imagined by the talented animator and artist Caroline Palmer.

Here’s to saying farewell to another year. May we work together to recognize our common humanity and treat everyone with compassion. Happy New Year to friends near and far. May joy fill your heart today and each day going forward. #2021

Reviews

Taking her cue from legendary rock composer Dan Fogelberg and Waltz King Johann Strauss, contemporary pianist Anne Trenning refreshes the same old same old with her new rendition of Same Auld Lang Syne. The new version has a bit more momentum and has a nostalgic twist that makes you want to listen time after time and build new memories. It is appropriate for the holidays, but a great song is good any time. This is a great song.

—R J Lannan, Artisan Music Reviews

“Same Auld Lang Syne” is Anne Trenning’s solo piano arrangement of the late Dan Fogelberg’s iconic song about a chance meeting with an old girlfriend on Christmas Eve in 1975. Originally released in 1980, it became one of Fogelberg’s most popular songs – it’s certainly one of my favorites. Fogelberg died of pancreatic cancer in 2007 at the age of 56, so I was thrilled to learn that Anne Trenning was releasing her arrangement of the song in time for the holidays in this year of years (2020). Anne also has two videos of her arrangement available – one with a charming animated video by Caroline Palmer and one with just the cover artwork and her recording; both are available on YouTube. Be sure to watch the animated video to the end because there is a really cute video of a cat playing with a dog’s tail by the piano (I assume they are Anne’s pets).

Fogelberg’s original song was written in 4/4 time, but Anne changed it to 3/4 to create a very sweet and poignant waltz. Even without the lyrics, the emotions expressed in the song communicate clearly. Anne also included a snippet of Joni Mitchell’s “The River” at the end of the song – a very nice touch! Since “Same Auld Lang Syne” isn’t specifically a Christmas carol, it can be enjoyed all year! (If you aren’t familiar with the song, Fogelberg’s original version is still widely available on sites like YouTube and Spotify.)

The single is available from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as many streaming sites. Don’t miss it!

—Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com