The Kanneh-Masons, a remarkably talented family ensemble, present "Carnival," a captivating album released on November 6, 2020, under Decca Music Group Ltd. This album is a delightful blend of classical masterpieces and heartwarming narration, offering a unique listening experience that spans a little over an hour.
The album opens with Camille Saint-Saëns' "Carnival of the Animals," a suite of musical portraits of different animals, each piece introduced by a charming narration. The Kanneh-Masons bring these creatures to life with their virtuosic performances, from the majestic lion to the graceful swan, and the playful pianists. Their interpretations are both technically impressive and full of character, making each movement a joy to listen to.
Following this, the album transitions into a section titled "Grandpa Christmas," where the Kanneh-Masons share a collection of stories and memories, accompanied by a selection of classical pieces. These range from the delicate "Little Bird" by Edvard Grieg to the energetic "Flight of the Bumble-Bee" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, arranged by Sergei Rachmaninov. The narration adds a personal touch, making the listening experience feel like a cozy gathering with loved ones.
The album concludes with a beautiful arrangement of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" by Sheku Kanneh-Mason, showcasing the family's versatility and ability to connect with audiences across different genres.
Throughout "Carnival," the Kanneh-Masons demonstrate their exceptional musicality and deep connection with each other. Their performances are filled with warmth, humor, and a shared love for music that is sure to resonate with listeners of all ages. This album is a testament to their individual talents and their collective harmony, making it a standout release in their discography.
Preamble - NarrationCamille Saint-Saëns, Michael Morpurgo, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, Braimah Kanneh-Mason, Konya Kanneh-Mason, Aminata Kanneh-Mason, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Mariatu Kanneh-Mason
Introduction and Royal March of the Lion - NarrationMichael Morpurgo
Carnival of the Animals: Introduction and Royal March of the LionCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, Braimah Kanneh-Mason, Ayla Sahin, Timothy Ridout, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Toby Hughes
Hens and Roosters - NarrationOlivia Colman
Carnival of the Animals: Hens and RoostersCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, Braimah Kanneh-Mason, Ayla Sahin, Timothy Ridout, Mark Simpson
Wild Donkeys Swift Animals (or Make What You Like of That) - NarrationMichael Morpurgo
Carnival of the Animals: Wild Donkeys Swift AnimalsCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
Tortoises - NarrationOlivia Colman
Carnival of the Animals: TortoisesCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Braimah Kanneh-Mason, Ayla Sahin, Timothy Ridout, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Toby Hughes
The Elephant - NarrationOlivia Colman
Carnival of the Animals: The ElephantCamille Saint-Saëns, Konya Kanneh-Mason, Toby Hughes
Kangaroos - NarrationMichael Morpurgo
Carnival of the Animals: KangaroosCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Konya Kanneh-Mason
Aquarium (or I Have a Friend) - NarrationOlivia Colman
Carnival of the Animals: AquariumCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Konya Kanneh-Mason, Braimah Kanneh-Mason, Ayla Sahin, Timothy Ridout, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Adam Walker, Alasdair Malloy
Characters with Long Ears - NarrationOlivia Colman
Carnival of the Animals: Characters with Long EarsCamille Saint-Saëns, Braimah Kanneh-Mason, Ayla Sahin
The Cuckoo in the Depths of the Woods - NarrationOlivia Colman, Mark Simpson
Carnival of the Animals: The Cuckoo in the Depths of the WoodsCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, Mark Simpson
Aviary - NarrationMichael Morpurgo
Carnival of the Animals: AviaryCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, Braimah Kanneh-Mason, Ayla Sahin, Timothy Ridout, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Toby Hughes, Adam Walker
Pianists (or Who Sings Best in the Bath) - NarrationMichael Morpurgo, Olivia Colman
Carnival of the Animals: PianistsCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Konya Kanneh-Mason, Braimah Kanneh-Mason, Ayla Sahin, Timothy Ridout, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Toby Hughes
Fossils (or Doing the Brontosaurus) - NarrationMichael Morpurgo
Carnival of the Animals: FossilsCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, Braimah Kanneh-Mason, Ayla Sahin, Timothy Ridout, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Toby Hughes, Mark Simpson, Adrian Spillett
The Swan - NarrationOlivia Colman
Carnival of the Animals: The SwanCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, Sheku Kanneh-Mason
Finale - NarrationMichael Morpurgo, Olivia Colman
Carnival of the Animals: FinaleCamille Saint-Saëns, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Konya Kanneh-Mason, Braimah Kanneh-Mason, Ayla Sahin, Timothy Ridout, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Toby Hughes, Adam Walker, Mark Simpson, Adrian Spillett, Alasdair Malloy
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Arr. Langer)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Konya Kanneh-Mason, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
Grandpa Christmas: Every Year at Christmas... - NarrationMariatu Kanneh-Mason
44 Duos for Two Violins, Sz. 98: Maypole DanceBéla Bartók, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Mariatu Kanneh-Mason
Grandpa Christmas: To My Little Granddaughter Mia… - NarrationMichael Morpurgo
44 Duos for Two Violins, Sz. 98: Mosquito DanceBéla Bartók, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Aminata Kanneh-Mason
Grandpa Christmas: I Sat There Watching You... - NarrationMichael Morpurgo
Lyric Pieces, Op. 43: No. 4, Little BirdEdvard Grieg, Konya Kanneh-Mason
Grandpa Christmas: Just to See You Digging There... - NarrationMichael Morpurgo
The Flight of the Bumble-Bee (Arr. Rachmaninov)Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Isata Kanneh-Mason
Grandpa Christmas: If I Have Learnt One Thing... - NarrationMichael Morpurgo