The premiere of Petite messe solennelle took place on March 14, 1864, at the private chapel of Count and Countess Pillet-Will, to whom the work was dedicated.
Instruments
The harmonium used in this recording is a Theodor Mannborg Kunstharmonium from 1936, sourced from the Museum of Silesian Organs at the Academy of Music in Katowice.
Historical Context
Rossini's dream of hearing Petite messe solennelle in a church was unfulfilled due to Pope Pius IX's ban on women singing in Catholic churches.
Composition History
Rossini's Petite messe solennelle was composed during his 'country sojourn' in Passy in 1863, decades after he had retired from writing operas.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Rossini humorously referred to his Petite messe solennelle as 'the final mortal sin of my old age' and questioned whether he had written 'sacred music or damned music'.
Compositional Technique
Despite its title, the Petite messe solennelle is a full-scale work, with the 'petite' referring only to its original scoring for a modest choir and accompaniment of two pianos and harmonium.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded live during concerts on May 18th and 19th, 2018, at the Warsaw Philharmonic Concert Hall.
