Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle

North Herts Guild of Singers

We are now busy rehearsing Rossini’s Petite Messe Solenelle, and looking forward to performing it in July. This is another concert which was due to happen in 2020, so it’s good to be doing it at last.

It represents a lesser-known side of Rossini; written in his later years he gives a decidedly operatic twist to a sacred form. This is what our MD Harry Bradford has to say:

‘Despite being neither ‘Petite’ nor ‘Solennelle’ Rossini’s Petite Messe Solenelle is a perfect example of the composer’s wit and musical ingenuity. Rossini’s enigmatic but highly enjoyable mass demonstrates his rich musical palette, ranging from backward looking (ostensibly pious) polyphonic textures to harmonic audacities that point more towards the music of Fauré and even Poulenc. Despite this stylistic range, the Petite Messe Solennelle sounds unmistakably Rossinian and when combined with our accompaniment of piano and harmonium is sure to be the perfect summer aural delight.'

Conducted by Harry, we have our own Colin Spinks on piano and George Inscoe on harmonium, which is being hired in specially. The harmonium is by Debain, from the 1860s (built in Paris) is exactly what the Rossini Petite Messe was written for, and from the same decade.

Our talented young soloists are Daisy Livesey, Louise Wood, Matthew Cooke and James Bartlett.
We are pleased to be part of the Hitchin Festival again and do hope you will join us on Saturday 13 July, at Walsworth Road Baptist Church. Tickets are on sale now: WeGotTickets | Simple, honest ticketing | Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle