British pianist Isata Kanneh‑Mason has announced the release of a brand‑new album that delves deeper into the works of Sergei Prokofiev. Building on the critical acclaim she earned with her solo debut of Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto at the BBC Proms in 2023, Kanneh‑Mason now brings listeners a curated programme that spans the composer’s original piano compositions, ballet‑derived suites and an opera excerpt, all performed on the piano.
A Return to a Childhood Muse
Kanneh‑Mason’s affinity for Prokofiev dates back to her childhood. “The early ‘Harp’ Prelude from Op. 12 was one of my first proper pieces,” she told Apple Music Classical. “I found it quirky and charming, and it introduced me to the humour that characterises Prokofiev’s style.” That same prelude opens the new release, offering a nostalgic nod to the pianist’s formative years.
A Focused Programme
The album’s tracklist reads as an all‑Prokofiev statement:
- Toccata, Op. 11 – A thundering start that immediately showcases Prokofiev’s rhythmic audacity.
- 10 Pieces, Op. 12: No. 7 – Prelude – The familiar “Harp” Prelude.
- Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26 – The centerpiece of the collection.
- The Love for Three Oranges, Op. 33ter – I. March – A vibrant, operatic slice.
- I. Scherzo – A brief, playful interlude.
- 10 Pieces from Romeo & Juliet, Op. 75 – Highlights include No. 2 “The Street Awakens,” No. 4 “Young Juliet” and No. 6 “Montagues and Capulets.”
- 10 Pieces from Cinderella, Op. 97 – Featuring “Summer Fairy,” “Autumn Fairy” and “Winter Fairy.”
- Troika, from Lieutenant Kije, Op. 60: IV – A dynamic scherzo‑like finale.
- Sonata No. 3, Op. 28 – A concise yet richly textured work.
The inclusion of the Piano Concerto No. 3 is particularly significant. Premiered in Chicago in 1921, the concerto was written as Prokofiev sought to assert himself outside post‑Revolutionary Russia. Kanneh‑Mason’s recent Proms performance—conducted by Ryan Bancroft with the Philharmonia—was praised for its “fresh, life‑affirming” energy and “insouciant cheekiness.” In this new album, she expands that interpretation, emphasizing the concerto’s clear demarcation of lyrical and percussive lines, a challenge she says “is about projecting character rather than sheer virtuosity.”
From Ballet to Piano
Kanneh‑Mason also revisits Prokofiev’s ballet suites. “Prokofiev was a master of ballet music, infusing each piece with charm and humour,” she explains. “The rhythmic articulation is repetitive yet never monotonous.” Tracks like “Juliet as a Young Girl” highlight her ability to balance technical command with vivid storytelling.
The album is bookended by the driving Toccata and the compact Sonata No. 3, the latter a testament to Prokofiev’s early virtuosity and his penchant for off‑beat rhythms. Kanneh‑Mason notes the difficulty of maintaining precision when hands enter a quaver apart, underscoring the pianist’s technical mastery.
Release Details
- Title: Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3 & More
- Label: Decca Classics
- Producer: Adrian Wills
- Available Platforms: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and physical retailers.
The album follows Kanneh‑Mason’s previous solo venture, which celebrated Felix Mendelssohn, and marks her continued exploration of 19th‑ and 20th‑century repertoire. Critics anticipate that this new record will further cement her reputation as a forward‑thinking interpreter of Russian music.
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