The Kanneh-Mason Family’s Musical Legacy: A Heartfelt Album

The newest release from the Kanneh-Mason family is a touching compilation of musical reflections. In the opening section,all seven siblings,whose ages range from their teenage years to early adulthood,exhibit their remarkable skills: Isata presents a contemplative piano piece by Liszt while Jeneba offers her interpretation of Chopin; Sheku and Mariatu harmonize beautifully with Handel; Braimah and Aminata join forces for a traditional Welsh folk tune; and pianist Konya accompanies Braimah in Elgar’s “Sospiri,” among other enchanting performances.This album also pays tribute to their ancestral roots, particularly honoring their Welsh grandmother through two folk arrangements and “Hiraeth,” an evocative new work by Isata that features all seven musicians. The emotional resonance is striking yet avoids excessive sentimentality, crafting an atmosphere akin to a bittersweet farewell that leaves listeners with misty eyes.

A Timeless Classic Reimagined

The latter half of the album features a cherished family favorite—Schubert’s Trout Quintet—where Isata,Sheku,and Braimah are joined by friends Edgar Francis on viola and Toby Hughes on bass for an engaging performance that artfully balances vibrant passages with softer melodies throughout its entirety.While it may not compete with some more polished recordings available today, this isn’t necessarily the intention behind this project. “River of Music” reinforces the distinct artistic identity of the kanneh-Masons while leaving us eager for even more ambitious projects in the future.

Tune in now on Apple Music (above) or discover it on Spotify.