Album insights
The award-winning British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason unveils a fresh album titled "With Elgar," featuring works revolving around Elgar's Cello Concerto—an iconic piece in the classical repertoire for solo cello, marking its 100th anniversary this month since its premiere. Collaborating with the globally recognized London Symphony Orchestra and renowned conductor Sir Simon Rattle, Sheku recorded the concerto at Abbey Road Studios. Sheku's journey into learning the cello began at around eight or nine, after being captivated by Jacqueline du Pré's famed 1965 recording of Elgar's beloved concerto. Describing the piece as touching his emotions directly, the now 20-year-old cellist has performed it numerous times worldwide with various orchestras. Building from Elgar's renowned work, Sheku's latest album serves as a musical exploration encompassing European pieces pre and post-War, featuring compositions by Edward Elgar, Julius Klengel, Gabriel Fauré, and Swiss-born Ernst Bloch in a harmonious blend.