Rossini
PETITE MESSE SOLONNELLE
for choir, piano​ & harmonium
SATURDAY, 12th APRIL, 2025
All Saint's Church, Brenchley
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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.
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The Petite Messe Solonnelle (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.
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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!
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Jong-Gyung Park (piano)
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Jong-Gyung Park made her orchestral debut at the age of thirteen with Boston Symphony Orchestra and has since appeared with Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Haifa Symphony Orchestra, Montevideo Symphony Orchestra, Belgian National Orchestra and New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra to name a few!
She has performed in recitals throughout the United States, South America, Israel and the Far East. Her concert activities include solo and chamber music recitals in Switzerland, Brussels, Milan and Seoul. She is regularly invited to give masterclasses in the United States, Korea and South America.
Jong-Gyung began lessons in her native Korea at the age of three, is a graduate of the New England Conservatory in Boston and has received numerous international awards​.
