Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason's new album - Muse
Their first recorded duo collaboration
Sheku and Isata, two of the seven siblings from the talented Kanneh-Mason family, are due to release a new selection of music for piano and cello composed by Samuel Barber and Sergei Rachmaninov. On November 5th, 'Muse' will be released on Decca Classics.
Barber’s Cello Sonata from the 1930’s is an early work and not one that is well known. The duo revelled in the discovery of its intricacies and quickly became fond of the Barber pieces throughout the process. Sheku and Isata describe these as shamelessly dramatic, with a sense of innocent impatience. A short sonata that boasts youthful extremity, it clearly resonated perfectly for the pair. In juxtaposition to the Rachmaninov, the intentional drama is not shy, and neither is their fine execution of this powerful sonata.
Rachmaninov’s much-loved sonata is described by the composer as giving equal footing to the piano and cello. Having grown up around the popular 2nd Piano Concerto, the pair explore the detail of each of these works by refining every subtle nuance found within. The result is a multi-dimensional work of art that is considered a joy to play for both instruments. Although Rachmaninov infrequently strayed into chamber music, this selection of masterpieces finds Sheku imitating a great, rich Russian voice on his instrument. In this way, an array of textures is brought out in Rachmaninov’s work that would not be traditionally assumed.
Muse Tracklist:
Samuel Barber
Cello Sonata
There’s Nae Lark
A Slumber Song of the Madonna
With Rue my Heart is Laden
Sure on this Shining Night
Sergei Rachmaninov
It Cannot Be
How Fair this Spot
The Muse
Cello Sonata
Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason Scala Session
On Wednesday 27th October, Sheku and Isata are joining Sam Hughes for two special live performances of two tracks from the upcoming album, Rachmaninov's 'The Muse' and Barber's 'Sure on this Shining Night'.
Listen from 2:30 to hear their performance.