Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle Yorkshire Bach Choir
Event details
Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle is neither small nor solemn but instead a fascinating late work from a composer who had stopped composing operas three decades previously.
The ‘petite’ of its title does reflect the circumstances of its first performance in a Paris salon with two pianos and a small group of singers. Rossini, then in his late 70s, galvanised himself for one final and powerfully direct musical statement that is both optimistic and filled with faith and sincerity.
Beneath its curious title lies a religious setting of the mass that mixes anxiety and seriousness with a sense of joy and musical bravado. As you would expect, the vocal writing is melodic, sometimes playful, and sometimes operatic, creating a work filled with drama and colour.
During its performance of Rossini’s choral masterpiece, Yorkshire Bach Choir will be joined by:
- Ben Horden, piano
- Nicky Losseff, piano
- Robert Patterson, organ
Wheelchair access is available via a portable ramp into the church and concert stewards will be available to help. If you do have additional requirements, it’s always helpful to know in advance. Please contact Yorkshire Bach Choir via their contact form.
Photo credit: Wenjun Li
About the performers
Founded in 1979 by its Conductor, Peter Seymour, Yorkshire Bach Choir has been regarded for over 30 years as one of the UK’s leading chamber choirs, specialising in performing renaissance, baroque and classical music. The mainstay of the choir’s performance is its annual series of six concerts. In addition, the choir regularly performs elsewhere in the UK and abroad participating in a variety of festivals, and has featured on both radio and television. The choir has made recordings of works ranging in period from the Spanish Renaissance of Victoria right through to the classical period, represented by Mozart’s Requiem. These and its other recordings are an enduring benchmark of its achievement.
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