Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, a rising star in the classical music scene, presents her debut album "Fantasie" on Sony Classical, set to release on March 7, 2025. This captivating collection showcases her extraordinary talent and versatility, featuring a blend of well-loved classics and lesser-known gems. The album spans a little over an hour, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.
"Fantasie" opens with Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35, a profound and dramatic work that demonstrates Kanneh-Mason's technical prowess and emotional depth. The album also includes two of Chopin's enchanting Nocturnes, Op. 27, No. 1 and Op. 27, No. 2, highlighting her ability to convey subtle nuances and delicate phrasing.
The program further explores a range of styles and periods, from the evocative "Fantasie Nègre No. 1" by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor to the contemporary piece "Troubled Water" by courtney a. l. pierce. Kanneh-Mason's interpretations are both sensitive and bold, revealing her unique artistic voice.
The album concludes with two movements from Medtner's Piano Sonata No. 2 in G-Sharp Minor, Op. 19 "Sonata Fantasy," a testament to her fearless approach to the repertoire. Throughout "Fantasie," Jeneba Kanneh-Mason's playing is characterized by its intelligence, passion, and technical brilliance, making this album a compelling introduction to her artistry.