Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle
Summertown Choral Society
Conductor: Duncan Saunderson
Pianist: Julian Littlewood
Gioachino Rossini, world famous at 21, admired by Beethoven and Schubert, and the greatest writer of comic opera more or less gave up composing at 37. (Health, wealth, several houses and a new mistress?) However, at the age of 71 he composed the Petite Messe Solennelle, one of the most intriguing works of the 19th century.
Long and full of “joie de vivre”, the title is either a joke, or refers to the small forces he had in mind: 12 singers (including castrati), two pianos and a harmonium. Behind the shimmering tunefulness is music of great majesty, rigour, depth and hushed solemnity. Too long for a church service, it was first performed in a Parisian salon. Quirkily, it quotes a composer friend writing in the style of Palestrina in the opening Kyrie and has an extended piano solo as the Offertorium.
Above all, Rossini’s mature genius for melody and musical architecture is dazzling throughout. With four superb professional soloists, the glowing timbre of harmonium, and a performance of Rossini’s Première communion from Péchés de vieillesse (Sins of Old Age) by the dazzling pianist Julian Littlewood, this promises to be a wonderful evening filled with colour, charm, and Rossinian sparkle.
Tickets are available from Tickets Oxford (a booking fee of £1.50 applies), or directly from choir members. Doors open at 7:00pm.
Please note: photography, recording or filming is not permitted during this event.