Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle

The Scottish Chamber Choir opens its 2024/2025 season with a performance of Rossinis Petite Messe Solennelle which is the most substantial of the works written during his later years. Indeed, it is one of the most remarkable compositions of his whole career, demonstrating his ability to write beautiful melodies (often frankly operatic in character), with an unfailing sense of colour and drama, and great contrapuntal skill. Its title exemplifies Rossinis characteristic wit, as it is of course neither petite nor particularly solemn. The music ranges from hushed intensity to boisterous high spirits, and abounds in the memorable tunes and rhythmic vitality for which Rossini became justly famous. Extracted from programme notes written by Peter Carey of the Royal Free Singers