Pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason Releases Songs Without Words
The new EP highlights diverse composers and continues the artist's mission to champion underrepresented musical voices.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Classical
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Pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason has released a new EP titled Songs Without Words on the Sony Classical label. The project features a curated collection of works by Felix Mendelssohn, Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Nina Simone.
Why it matters
By incorporating compositions from black women alongside traditional repertoire, Kanneh-Mason aims to elevate overlooked voices in classical music. The release serves to broaden the genre's canon by highlighting historic yet underrepresented musical contributions.
The EP features 5 tracks spanning diverse composers. This follows the artist's March 2025 debut album Fantasie and the December 2025 release of the EP Jane Austen's Piano.
The players
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
She is an acclaimed concert pianist known for her efforts to promote diverse works and underrepresented composers in the classical canon.
Sony Classical
This major international record label is a division of Sony Music Entertainment dedicated to the production and distribution of classical music.
The details
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason curated the musical selections specifically to fit within the tradition of songs without words. The project highlights her versatility as a performer, following a recent appearance at the Hollywood Bowl where she performed the Theme from Samson and Delilah.
Timeline
March 2025: Jeneba Kanneh-Mason released her debut album Fantasie.
December 2025: The artist released the EP Jane Austen's Piano.
October 16, 2026: Songs Without Words was officially released.
Industry Dynamics
This release aligns with the industry-wide shift toward diversifying classical repertoires by ensuring historically marginalized voices are represented in modern recordings. It reflects a broader movement to broaden the canon by pairing established masters with previously overlooked composers.
Listeners can access the new EP through major streaming platforms and digital retailers starting immediately. The project offers audiences a direct way to experience a blend of traditional repertoire and rediscovered works by black women composers.
The takeaway
The EP demonstrates that classical music can remain vibrant by bridging historical traditions with modern diversity efforts. Listeners can gain a deeper appreciation for the genre by exploring the specific contributions of underrepresented composers like Florence Price and Margaret Bonds.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in the Classical scene to see how contemporary artists are reshaping the genre.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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