Muse
Decca, 2021
9/10
A sibling duo who have both had exceptional careers individually, Sheku Kanneh-Mason brings his inimitable cello playing to Isata Kanneh-Mason’s superb piano skills here, where they interpret the work of Samuel Barber and Sergei Rachmaninoff with this replication of a live concert, off stage.
“Cello Sonata Op. 6” opens the listen with the strings and keys interacting with a playful, melodic display of precise, stunning grace that is both quick and firm, but also capable of bare intimacy, and “There’s Nae Lark” follows with a brief delivery of sublime song craft where the stirring cello and warm keys emit much emotion.
Further on into the Barber portion of the disc, “With Rue My Heart Is Laden” flows with a heartfelt demeanor, while “Sure On This Shining Light” tells a memorable story without any words, where the incredible string manipulation radiates alongside the calm piano.
Rachmaninoff’s portion leads with the lush beauty of “It Cannot Be”, which builds into an ebullient presence, and “How Fair This Spot” follows with intricate chemistry between the pair as Isata’s Steinway embraces a timeless sophistication and Sheku’s cello is bowed flawlessly. “Cello Sonata Op. 19” finishes the listen and recruits quivering strings and finger acrobatics that are at times jumpy, almost rowdy, but are certainly held together with tremendous skill.
A listen that’s rich with creativity while still being true to Barber and Rachmaninoff’s vision, the pair clearly know the ins and outs of their instruments like few others will, and let’s hope there’s more collaborations from them in the future.
Travels well with: Christian Li- The Four Seasons; Seong-Jin Cho- Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 Scherzi