Jeneba Kanneh-Mason

The evening

Bracing vigour from Scarlatti, pristine elegance from Mozart, and a whole world of emotion from Chopin.

Domenico Scarlatti’s Sonata in E minor is small in size yet large in impact. In a ‘perpetual motion’ style, it crackles with energy throughout. Mozart’s Sonata No 10 has an atmosphere of tremendous calm in its sunny major key and in its deceptive simplicity, requiring the lightest and most precise of touches.

Chopin was often drawn to the kind of loose-limbed piano forms that allowed him the freedom to create his own, highly individual musical narratives. The Four Ballades from 1831–42 are a case in point. Remarkable as individual mood pieces, collectively they are a breathtaking demonstration of Chopin’s range and boundless imagination.

Award-winning Jeneba Kanneh-Mason brings her trademark versatility, formidable technique and deeply responsive style to this varied and profoundly moving programme.

Recorded for future broadcast on BBC Radio 3.