The Sheku Kanneh-Mason Cello Collection: Cello Book

Students connect immediately with repertoire curated and performed by someone they recognize and admire. The inclusion of Kanneh-Mason's own compositions alongside established pieces models how cellists can develop their artistic voice, and his written commentary invites students into the thinking behind both the music and the performance choices.

A master class in a book. Moving between established works and Kanneh-Mason's own compositions creates a sense of discovery, with the artist's voice and perspective woven throughout. The collection feels personal and genuine rather than academic.

Intermediate cellists ready to engage with a curated collection that spans multiple musical styles and eras. This book appeals to students who want to hear directly from a world-class performer about how to approach their repertoire, and to those seeking fresh contemporary voice alongside familiar classics.

• Study Kanneh-Mason's recorded interpretations to understand phrasing and tone color choices, but allow yourself to develop your own musical voice rather than copying the recording.
• Pay close attention to the commentary provided for each piece; it often reveals interpretive details that aren't obvious from the score alone.
• Balance the mix of traditional repertoire with Kanneh-Mason's original compositions across your practice sessions so both genres feel equally comfortable and natural.

Use this as a primary text for intermediate cellists working toward solo recitals, selecting pieces based on the musical contexts they need to develop. The variety makes it valuable for chamber music coaching as well, with pieces suitable for ensemble arrangements at this level.

• Stylistic awareness across multiple musical periods and contemporary composition
• Interpretation skills informed by a world-class performer's perspective
• Left-hand facility and intonation security at the intermediate level
• Tone production techniques that serve both lyrical and dramatic musical passages
• Understanding how composers (including living artists) approach cello writing and voice