Rossini

PETITE MESSE SOLONELLE

for choir, organ and piano​

 

SATURDAY, 12th APRIL, 2025

All Saint's Church, Brenchley

​

Following a long depressive illness Rossini returned to Paris in 1855 where his health and inspiration to compose returned.  He produced what he called his Sins of old age, a collection of light-hearted pieces for piano, songs and works for small ensembles, which were performed at private occasions, attended by most of the important public and artistic figures in Paris at the time who were attracted by Rossini's wit, hospitality and love of good food.

​

The Petite Messe Solonelle (Little Solemn Mass) is the most substantial of the works written, and one of the most remarkable compositions of his whole career, with beautiful melodies (often operatic in character), and an unfailing sense of colour and drama.  Its title exemplifies Rossini's wit as it is neither 'petite' nor particularly 'solemn'!  The music ranges from hushed intensity to boisterous high spirits and abounds in memorable tunes and vitality.

​

Rossini ended his manuscript with:

Dear God, here it is finished, this poor little Mass.  Have I written sacred music or damned music?  You may well know I was born to write comic opera.  It contains scant learning, but all my heart.  Praise be to you, and grant me entry into Paradise!