PETITE MESSE SOLENNELLE (Little Solemn Mass)

The Petite Messe solennelle from 1863 is Rossini’s second extensive sacred composition for soloists, choir, piano, and harmonium, after his Stabat Mater. Lasting around 80 minutes, it is a large-scale Missa solemnis; the addition of “Petite,” meaning “small,” is self-deprecating. Rossini wrote under the original score: “Dear God, here it is finished, this poor little Mass. Is this sacred music which I have written or damned music? I was born for opera buffa, as you well know. A little technique, a little heart, that’s all. Be blessed, then, and admit me to Paradise.”

Rossini, the “Swan of Pesaro,” had long since retired as an opera composer; he only wrote what he felt like writing—for musicians and audiences, a performance is always a special experience.