Sheku Kanneh-Mason: Classical Gems

“This is a collection of some of my favorite pieces of music and recordings,” Sheku Kanneh-Mason tells Apple Music of this playlist. “When I listen to them I feel that I can really focus solely on the music and what’s happening in the music. I feel like I can be in that world without any external distractions because they are such captivating and powerful recordings.” Those gems include Russian pianist Samuel Feinberg playing an arrangement of the Largo from Bach’s Trio Sonata No. 5 for organ (“The scale he is able to achieve on the keyboard is really quite amazing,” says Kanneh-Mason) alongside several pieces by Elgar, a composer the cellist treasures. Sospiri, a short work for string orchestra, is one of them, played by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla. “This combination of musicians and music is extremely special, and something I have had the privilege to hear a few times live when touring with the orchestra,” he says. “It’s so expressive, and a gem in every sense.” Press play to explore more classical works that captivate Kanneh-Mason.