Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason

The fluid dialogue between cello and piano heard in Mendelssohn’s First Cello Sonata might convince the listener that the genre had always existed – but it was still relatively new, with Beethoven’s sonatas crucial to its development. We hear Beethoven’s final Cello Sonata, at once introspective and highly innovative. Fauré’s Sonata No 1 is a sumptuous combination of songful cello lines and dexterous pianism, and Chopin – who almost never wrote for anything other than solo piano – made an exception for one of his best friends, cellist-composer Auguste Franchomme.

The Kanneh-Mason family have transformed the world of classical music with their stunning performances and sincere advocacy, and the collaboration between Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason is a joy to behold: ‘immensely engaging players: a star duo is born’ (The Independent).