Rossini, Petite messe solennelle

Rossini once asked “Is this sacred music which I have written or the music of the devil?” of his Petite messe solennelle, that marked a return to composition for the aging, rebellious musician, only too happy to display the breath of his talent to his detractors.

The music sparkles and gushes as ever, invoking unexpected references like a Bach-like polyphony, a bel canto feel, and later on, a vocal ensemble filled with fervour, all wrapped up in a smooth piano-harmonium duo. Daniel Reuss will lead the Ensemble vocal de Lausanne as their power, sense of clarity and precision reveal this (big) “little” mass to be one of the greatest pieces of vocal music of all time.