Sheku Kanneh-Mason - Winner BBC Young Musician 2016 - Shostakovich Cello Concerto No 1

[@benmeitzen4184]

This is an insanely difficult piece of music, how he can play it so well at such a young age just baffles me. He will grow to be one of the greatest of our time I'm sure.

[@jandamskier6510]

He practices a lot, with much patience

[@ursulabean3179]

Ben Meitzen he already is considered the best by many. JDP excepted maybe!

[@mizofan]

Cardiff singer of the world is excellent

[@cliffordmaddox6532]

@@mizofan I don't suppose the Cardiff singer of the world can play the cello though. Your comment may be true but in this context it is entirely irrelevant

[@barringtonsmith9147]

There's 97 thumbs down who don't agree with you, I suppose that's because they can do much better

[@evanmcguire5787]

Can we take a second to acknowledge and appreciate that this conductor's name is Mark Wigglesworth?

[@nathanrock9269]

Hehehe , wiggles worth :)

[@classiccellist7015]

Hehe, Mark :p

[@markpaterson2053]

I hear you. I look for the conductor's name before the soloist in most cases, as they can totally make a difference to how you prefer certain pieces, and some can ruin it too (like deciding to play the third mov of Shostakovich's 8th Symphony at half the pace, which I hate). But this conductor does a magnificent job, there is clarity that allows the intended orchestration to be heard in detail

[@helenfenig5659]

Good point....thank u for opening up perception.......and hehe

[@elaines5750]

Look at his poise. He is under such scrutiny, yet is truly enjoying himself! Such talent, such amazing ability! And he was only 16 or so here? He is just phenomenal. Memorizing Shostakovich is no easy task, no matter the ability of the musician or his or her age or experience! Kudos, Sheku! :)

[@delonzowright2616]

17 they said for his age just to confirm

[@akadapper]

Incredible from this guy. But also for all the young kids in this competition who have such a deep connection to classical music. Maturity beyond their years

[@enidmason9411]

Steven A

[@limyongjun6826]

?"kimjbbhn ujujhhmm ggmjy,kg jfjmgbhhyh yjujuki uliu,k u,Steven A x j

[@houseofzuma1033]

Indeed all of them were so good that year!!!....But this piece...

[@limyongjun6826]

I like his hair

[@duncanhutcheson2965]

Yeah man. Was thinking the same (Y)

[@fearweasel4754]

Omg same it really suits him i really like it

[@qqleq]

Personally, I liked his music. (He worked a bit harder for that.)

[@isaacvandermerwe744]

No offence - but noticed every syllable in your name corresponds to one in King Jong-un's

[@MrsSedley]

Wonderful by any standards - perhaps the best performance I've ever seen, orchestra and conductor included. Now let's have a documentary on the whole extraordinary family - and on BBCs One or Two, not Four.

[@C.Ridley8135]

David Nice they made a documentary on the family with sheku the focus and its absolutely AMAZING!!

[@shelleyritchie3568]

In the US it’s on Amazon. Young talented in classical

[@specialperson335]

listen to Gautier Capucons version. It is at least technically much much better but perhaps not interpretation-wise.

[@andreaschwartz4082]

His future is full of stars!!!

[@Puma5]

Saying this to any young person is putting on a horrible pressure. I feel for Sheku.

[@sylvainraymond9031]

THE DUDE IS POSSESSED!!! He IS AMAZING!!!!

[@frantziskaspaladonia3642]

Like who is playing .... ? This spirit moving in him ... knowing the exact pressure to put to make the cello sound the way it does

[@josephharper3050]

Arguably, the best version of Shostakovich Cello Concerto 1. I’m no musician or learned listener of classical music. But I trust my ears. I listened to different versions of this concerto by Yo-Yo Ma, Krill Rodin, Heinrich Schiff, and Clive Johnson. Clive Johnson did a run through of this concerto with Sheku. I still can’t shake the belief that Sheku's version sounds better. I’m quite aware of the fact that sound miking, mixing, and acoustics may play a role in my listening experience. Also, the quality of the orchestra is a factor. The BBC Symphonic Orchestra is no slouch. Let us not forget the cello itself. I believe the cello Sheku plays is from the 16th century on loan from a kind and appreciative benefactor. I never get tire of playing this piece. Play it at least 4 to 5 times a week. Kudos to Sheku for all his hard work and wonderful talent.

[@Imabanana847]

He sounds great for sure, but I would still prefer Maria Kliegel or Han-na Chang's recordings.

[@indeviox]

Joseph Harper rastropovich is better

[@laurirae]

well, considering he's a mere 16 years old when performing this, i say anyone else's rendition doesn't hold a candle, as they're already professionals... just my two pence...

[@inkrollo936]

Joseph Harper mischa maisky

[@giannirainero]

Hi Joseph, the kid is amazing, but you should also listen to Sol Gabetta's recordings, that are indeed very different, yet outstanding.

[@voyager1369]

Everytime I watch this, I cry a little at the end. The music is beautiful, and Sheku's emotion and maturity level when playing the piece is incredible! This rendition of the song makes me hopeful about life in general.

[@kitani717]

Sheku is reincarnated from genius from the time of the Pyramids' . He possesses an everlasting purpose of wealth to share.

[@emersonmenezes3824]

@@kitani717 this guy has a ligh, I know. If hes not musician I know that he could be the best in anything else. I feel blessed living in this age, Messi, sheku, harari... Well, those persons live to be the best not for the other only for themselves, only because they love what they do. But don't forget those who are doing they're best

[@voyager1369]

Four years later, and I still cry, every single time I watch this performance.

[@anneb3492]

Breathtaking...How could anyone give him a thumb down....

[@anthonydean7011]

Or, don't like that he's a man of color and won.

[@houseofzuma1033]

@@anthonydean7011 unlikely people that like classical music are not generally racist i have found.

[@MrWatchcollector]

@@houseofzuma1033 oddly...this is what i found too

[@ethanma3916]

To be fair his interpretation is kind of out there as being excessively romantic and I personally prefer someone like Brannon Cho's shosty, but hearing something different from the norm absolutely shouldn't be worth disliking. Then again youtube disabled dislikes lol

[@voyager1369]

8 years later and I still cry when I watch this performance. Since then, I've seen Sheku live in concert twice in the States, and I even got to meet him briefly and take a photo. But there's something about this performance that touches my core. This performance rekindled my joy for classical music. Thank you, Sheku.

[@CarenKarabani]

This is amazing. He's telling the hell out of that story!

[@marcianeat6653]

Brilliant, I saw this on Sunday and was blown away, He's a very talented young man

[@ramonbril]

Playing only Shostakovic? My hero! Also already the best performance of the piece. If only there was the Concertgebouworkest behind him. Such beautiful agression, such character and timing.

[@greatmomentsofopera7170]

Rostropovich?!

[@ernestineanderson3323]

Ramon Bril /I agree.

[@thatfreestyleguy]

@@greatmomentsofopera7170 Truls Mørk the greatest of all time?!

[@oiat]

I come back every year and just listen to the whole piece. Sheku is phenomenal

[@frankieroberson3398]

I am intrigued with Sheku Kanneh-Mason he is gifted and talent, and if you don't know what passion is you know now!!!

[@jillianshene2815]

Given the right nurturing, encouragement, environment you produce this sort of talent!

[@houseofzuma1033]

yep.... thats surprising..lol you know we all waste time..his parents instilled discipline and focus...with all the children..its its great really.....

[@Playthellgb42]

NOT SO!!!!!! THIS KIND OF TALENT IS A GIFT FROM GOD! No amount of discipline and practice can produce this kind of genius, anymore than it can turn a good basketball player into Michael Jordon!

[@cliffordmaddox6532]

@@Playthellgb42 it is certainly a gift. All the nurturing and practice in the world can't help without it. Wonderful talents though he and all his siblings have, they still can't compete with Jacqueline du Pré

[@blesseddaughter4358]

I was mesmerized by him at the Royal wedding!

[@irandixon78]

Blessed Daughter He comes from a very talented family aswell if you didn't know. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2bJgqOsgdl6Z8U. Enjoy.

[@MariaB-hi4gr]

How is he not sweating??!! I am exhausted just watching, but it's beautiful!

[@christiancuniah8411]

This 17 yr old had the techniques and mental maturity to execute this piece - truly awesome. His brother and sisters are exceptionally gifted as well. I agree, the bbc ought to make a documentary about this family. I cannot wait to see what they will do in the future.

[@toscanaremi]

They have already

[@toscanaremi]

It's called young, gifted and classical. You can find it on DailyMotion

[@caboclozeitgeist]

For me, one the best among the best cellist of history.

[@aatt3209]

The world is a better place when you have young musicians like Sheku Kanneh-Mason to show you the way to the stars through the magic of music!!

[@vololibero8330]

So often winning the YM is a defining moment for a young musician. Lara Melda who lept from nowhere in 2010 to be in the top 100 pianists in the World. I hope Sheku goes on to have a soloist career. Superb and sensitive playing. Natalie Clein you have serious competition now :-)

[@glenbartholomew1058]

I was amazed not just watching Sheru but also the musicians in the orchestra. How with each note Sheku seemed be inspired by the others and he inspired them. It really was a dialogue of music.

[@rainyday6430]

It's always exciting when someone turns up that can really hammer out the angst and beautifully shrill singing clarity of shostie.

[@seandaly2211]

Amazing. His technique is flawless.

[@johnpaulpiano4186]

Im so excited im going to get to hear Sheku live in April with this Concerto! 👏👏

[@BruceBoschek]

World-class performance.

[@yk5148]

He’s really cute ! And he chose this really difficult cello concerto at his age, which is incredible !

[@strad1944]

Absolutely marvelous. I great thrill listening to this young man.

[@TheBurntSage]

Absolutely remarkable. Incredibly talented young man.

[@C.Ridley8135]

love this performance..he really put his soul into it. He makes u feel it. Very captivating!! love Shostakovich now

[@1233-p5f]

You didn't before? Blasphemy!!! ;)

[@sashad.9834]

He became one with the music. Incredible!! 💛

[@stringplayer2992]

Wonderful playing! His rendition is a gem.

[@britt121785]

He did a awesome job today in the royal wedding.

[@suegha]

Wow, just wow! He is amazing, what an incredible performance! He has a passion that is unequaled, really amazing interpretation. I believe that Shostakovich is one of his favourite composers and it really shows in this piece. He totally nails it! I love it!

[@user-ok3eq9to2g]

I saw him when he came to New Orleans, preCOVID of course. He was mesmerizing! Brilliant and humble. His music has kept me going through 2020 and I just appreciate him and his family.

[@EliteXtasy]

His expressions! I can really feel the music. Awesome!

[@isaacsegal2844]

Really looking forward to watching this. I was in the audience as a teenager when Rostropovich played the American premiere of the concerto with Ormandy and the PO. And who else was in the audience? Shostakovich himself!

[@elaines5750]

I did see Rostropovich play at the Academy! And I own a recording of him playing the Shostakovich. I bet I was at the same concert as you!

[@isaacsegal2844]

It might have been a Friday afternoon. My high school offered free Amphitheater tickets for Fridays. But it's possible it may have been a surprise unscheduled appearance at a Senior Student Concert that same week. I have a dim memory of Shostakovich taking a bow from the box next to the stage, which would not have been visible from the Amphitheater, but easily from a seat on the same level-which is where I would have been.

[@elaines5750]

I think I went with my dad at night? My memory is rather foggy, too. I think I would have remembered Shostakovich taking a bow! So maybe there was an evening concert, too, but not with Shostakovich in attendance?

[@isaacsegal2844]

I grabbed every free Friday ticket I could (early dismissal!), but the best I can recall is looking up at the box, not down, which would have been where I sat for the student concerts. And the senior student concerts were on weekday nights. There's also a vague memory of Ormandy announcing the performance as a special treat. But again, it was a long time ago. The answer is probably hidden somewhere in the Orchestra archives.

[@Playthellgb42]

I wasn't in THAT audience, but I saw Ormandy and the Philadelphia Symphony MANY times. Especially summer concerts at Robin Hood Dell in Fairmount Park!

[@gerardguitarist]

Brilliant.

[@noeliarojas8258]

wow increible

[@curls4theworld]

Absolutely brilliant! I could listen to this all day!

[@autumnhomer9786]

This performance was so beautiful and magical. Thank you for uploading.

[@jnelson508]

You are a brilliant talent! You've worked hard to achieve such astonishing mastery. I wish you a stellar career.

[@wheemusique8864]

I know we are here for Sheku, BUT can we please give a shout out to the French Hornist on this concerto as well!. This whole piece is amazing!!!!!

[@toscanaremi]

@@yosserc 3 finalists so 3 concerto

[@thesaucegroup1877]

No

[@AmyLetitia]

AMAZING!!!!!

[@lilymo9935]

Amazing performance Sheku I really enjoyed it thank you :)

[@celloendpinfem]

well done!!!!! Still, this amazing cello represents other level than musician in the video, but you're Sheku on the best path to one day equal such marvellous cello. All the best!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@prometheuspredator7971]

This young man is Awesome! I absolutely love the way you play the cello. You reflect such feeling in your music that when i heard you play my mind absorbed every minute and took me to a very beautful and peaceful place. I did not think that i would hear someone as such a fine and artistically inclined musician as Yo Yo Ma. You are magical when you play.

[@kitani717]

I am touched deeply by Sheku's Spirit Genius.

[@Everythingfreshandsassy]

4 years later and I'm back to watch this talented young man do his thing! Notice, EVERYONE is reading music. SHEKU HAS NO MUSIC IN FRONT OF HIM, yet he know's every note and every nuance. 8th Wonder of the World.... HE IS!

[@NH-ce5im]

It took me a good five minutes to realize that I had bodily frozen and fully zoned out everything but the performance - the thing that snapped me out of it was feeling the hair on my arms standing on end while a sort of zapping feeling went through me. Absolutely amazing performance and interpretation! I'll surely be coming back to this one time and again!!! Edit: I'd like to make a special add-on note that the soloist on the french horn is a PHENOMENAL player, really building up and and completing Kenneh-Mason's playing during those answer-and-call/conversation bits. (If anyone knows the technical term for those, please enlighten me - my classical training consists of public grade-school classes and self-education...)

[@Slynell1]

A Star Is Born.

[@ethansaltmere]

Outstanding beginning! Great musician!

[@susanbriggs862]

Brillant! I love how he becomes one with the music and the cello.

[@alanmunch5779]

Wonderful... and many congratulations!

[@denverroberts9632]

I am so impressed with this talented young musician. U were incarnated for this. All your siblings are equally so talented. I am so proud of u all.

[@greid36]

Mr. Mason!! You just brought me a new inspired feel of this art form which I love!! Come to America and perform with our nco.vegas !!!

[@houseofzuma1033]

i hope not america would destroy this young english man.America destroys everything.

[@LoedMerlin]

Perhaps the next Yo-Yo Ma? His technique is brilliant and his interpretation is spot on.

[@agendarecords2530]

his interpretation of this piece is better than ma's

[@houseofzuma1033]

@יובל כוורי Not really just different plus he has along way to go

[@houseofzuma1033]

@@agendarecords2530 not really..its not competition...

[@ethanjones9533]

@@agendarecords2530 This interpretation is good but no where near the skill level of Yo-Yo ma's

[@thatfreestyleguy]

@@ethanjones9533 Yoyo Ma isnt the best and he never was. To much hype bout him. Listen to Truls Mörks recordings.

[@s02229]

I can’t believe he was only 17 then. His playing’s so mature and he seems to have such a great understanding of the music

[@ec6432]

This is my favorite cello concerto man, the way he plays it gives me goosebumps

[@djbd504]

Loved it in 2016 and still love it now in 2022!

[@sdbrimer42]

Outstanding young man!

[@alexandersmithcellist]

About to perform this in a concerto competition tonight, inspiring performance.

[@danielthonk7481]

How did it go haha?

[@alexandersmithcellist]

@@danielthonk7481 It went well :)

[@MsComedyDoc]

Goddamn. Killin it, man!!

[@bjalex08]

God bless this awesome young man. All great musicians are soulful no matter the genre. One can feel their passion. Hallelujah !

[@trudidolder6122]

What an artist and what a beautiful Cello. He played this enormously difficult piece with such emotion and easiness, without one note of music in front of him. And all that with 17 years of age. What a pleasant young man. Could not get enough of his playing.

[@annakuykendall6206]

Such beauty and grace in playing his cello! His gift to play with precision and poise is incredible! God bless him and his family. His siblings are just as talented!!

[@clydemckaney8074]

Thank you so much for your wonderful practicing and thought!!!!!

[@delaobimpe9016]

You are a delight to watch Sheku. Such character talent and passion is unparalleled..

[@georgescott3652]

This young man plays with so much passion and excitement. Bravo!!,

[@zamfully]

She must is a very special talent. This man stands out from the rest of the greats. I really hope that he records or performs much more then 2 and 3 minute masterpieces. I very much want to hear him play the gorgeous cello repertoire. Best of luck Sheku and family. You guys and gals are such shinning stars.

[@nicolaidebelenmendoza6479]

He goes to My school!

[@evanpyne4426]

Where

[@fearweasel4754]

Nicolai De Belen Mendoza which school was that i think your lying but i dont know sorry if it sounds rude

[@TheDaanillos]

A master piece amazingly well performed. Bravo!

[@racheljordan551]

Watch him and family give performance at the Baftas. Absolutely incredible!!!! STUNNING!!!!!!! ☺❤👌

[@muratmurat5128]

Thank you

[@ghettowizard6978]

Bravo!

[@VoxPhD]

I like when this is played with grit like this, and also enough bow for the quick passages to actually “speak.” And yet he doesn’t just plow though. He’s thought through this piece which is tough to do.

[@malcolmgillett1537]

Brilliance from a wonderfully talented young player. This is such a technically difficult composition. How does he do it at such a young age? I am in awe!

[@tzmythos]

Beautiful! We will hear much from this young man and his wonderful siblings. And what dedicated and loving people their parents must be. God bless them all.

[@rodneysamuel7824]

I hope that we will hear more about this Tremendous and Talented Family here in America instead of that degrading hip hop so called music. This is the kind of Music young people need to hear and learn. America like to characterize nativity about Black young lives.

[@tracy9610]

@@rodneysamuel7824 ok boomer

[@m__s_david]

ejoyed the performance so much

[@elmikloosterhuis7584]

touching my soul in a certain way..........free spirit.... God bless the child who got his own.....bless you, love you

[@C.Ridley8135]

im waiting for him to get his own Pandora station. he already has a VEVO

[@ohraider]

Bruh Pandora still exists??

[@THEFUTURESFORUM]

This is the Future I want to live in. Love this young man.

[@taraanderson6378]

ive watched him play the haydn a long time ago haha improved enormously

[@Darkwoodnew]

Thank you!

[@meral9cponcikleri]

Cok iyi

[@dariusmolark6820]

my god!

[@Zaidemeit]

A great musician is one who plays, and you are 'lost' in the music. My God, he is only 17 years old!! To think what he can accomplish in only a few years from now--well before he is in his mid-20s!!!

[@markfortuin7111]

What a prodigious musician. You are so accomplished Skeku. God Bless!

[@targaryangirlalways5634]

This is one of the scariest songs I have ever heard in my life. I want to stop listening to it but I can not.

[@lukisIVIII]

Sweet jesus this is incredible. His mind-blowing skills and understanding of music aside, there is no way this is an ordinary cello...

[@iacopo6274]

monster

[@ladylecee1241]

Omg! I can't stop watching this man. Im suddenly in love with the chello and classical music.

[@houseofzuma1033]

Try Beethoven's Third Symphony ,Chopin,Mozart's Requiem in D minor, K. 626 and Rachmaninoff if you love the deep pieces.

[@michaelcharles9845]

thanks for playing this piece with both heart and soul

[@nathalieverbeken1365]

This performance gave me goosebumps. I discovered this piece when I first heard it performed by Yo-Yo Ma, and I was completely amazed by it. That performance was and still is my reference for this particular piece. It's insanely difficult and subtle. This young man gave it his all and it touched me to the core. He's wonderful. Can't wait to hear more of him.

[@THEFUTURESFORUM]

The conductor also makes me feel with him...

[@geraldwade2833]

Fantastic talent. You can see just how much passion he puts into his performance. Imagine what he will hopefully go onto. Yo-yo Ma watch out!

[@targaryangirlalways5634]

Help me understand . . . How is every face in this orchestra so blank? Calm. Almost disinterested looking? I know they are not and they are probably some of the best London has to offer. I can barely sit still in my chair listening to this. My blood pressure goes up. My breathing is erratic. My body is just driven by the intensity. Even the people in the audience are so still? I don't understand it. I've got a new wrinkle on my face from the passion and changing expressions on my face. It was nice to see a few of them smile after he finished.

[@EmilyWrightCello]

How anyone could give this guy, playing this piece, this well a thumbs down is beyond me! What a brilliant musician.