Examples of my works (Theoretical Foundation)

Latina Keels

Dr.Choi

Music Appreciation

April 4, 2024



Elgar-Cello Concerto Sheku Kanneh-Mason

The cellist is extremely emotional when he closes his eyes, I’m going to assume maybe he’s placed himself as a character in a love scene or just is the person chosen to perform a music piece related to the scene. After researching the composer that originally wrote this dynamic work specifically written for orchestra and was the finale. Kanneh performed with such classic taste that I’m sure captured the audience with every appreciation of every note. There was the cello of course, flutes, oboes, clarinets, horns, trumpets and strings. The notes displayed anguish, disparity, and some glimpses of hope that kept me captivated playing out a love scene in my head.

The work played for 33 mins and the four movements are: Allegro, the second is lyrical-allegretto, the third is menuetto and the fourth is the wrap up which is presto- finale. The intro seems to be in a song like form that conveyed some sort of musical feel with about three repetitions. Kennah’s facial expressions while plucking the strings showed excitement and suspense. This is relevant especially when he blinked his eyes while his mouth was held tight seemingly to me to be holding in a shout.

Brass and strings were performed with such rhythmically and effortless range of soft sounds throughout but then there’s more at the end/ climax, then he speeds up assuming the love scene is about to end and you’re wrong again. The reason is because after Kannah stands up thanking his audience for their loving appreciation of his performance he leaves. But then Kannah comes back out stands up and tells the audience he’s going to play his uncle’s favorite music piece which is a short piece of 35 minutes and 13 seconds which is then presto the finale.

I mentioned that I researched the background of the original composer and I’ve done the same with this musician. The background of this magical cellist includes him having 6 other siblings which are also musically inclined. His adornment for the cello was initiated when he heard his sister perform in String wise an annual weekend course for young Nottingham string players run by a nearby charity. Oh, and I must mention that this gifted black British classical cellist played from memory. This is another musical genius that has soared his way through performing among the elite.

Throughout the years Kanneh-Mason has earned many honors and awards: 2016 was a winner of the BBC Young Musician competitions, 2017: won the Classical category of the South Bank Sky Arts Award. In 2018: he won the Male Artist of the Year and the Critics Choice Award at the Classic Brit Awards. In 2020 Kennah was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire and during this time he also won the public vote for Best Classical Artist presented at the Global Awards.

Kananeh -Mason has also recorded albums. The last album Muse was recorded with his sister.

Isata is a pianist whom he adores. All the siblings continue to make memorable music together which is quite special.

I’ve listened to classical music and have appreciated the history of it being rooted in churches and royal courts within Western Europe. After researching more about classical music I found that in the mid 20 century through today the styles include New Simplicity, Minimalism, Spectral and Postminimalism. Much of this music is notably performed in symphony orchestras and opera houses worldwide.

I’ve been listening to Kanneh and another cellist by the name of Marika Hughes to expand my horizons and boost my mood.