Rossini | Petite mEsse Solennelle

featuring the Princeton University Chamber Choir
February 23, 2019
7:30pm | Richardson Auditorium

The Petite Messe Solennelle is a heart-warming and celebratory work, full of Rossinian quirks and bursting with humour, charm and sincerity, scored modestly for small choir, two pianos and harmonium. Rossini’s commentary on the work sheds some light on this paradox, and reveals a man of touching modesty and self-awareness, every bit as charming as his music: “Good God; there we have it – complete – this poor little Mass. Is it really sacred music, or is it really abominable music? [Rossini is punning on the word sacrée, meaning both ‘holy’ and ‘damned’]. I was born for Opera Buffa as well thou knowest. Little skill, a little heart, and that is all…”