Rossini: Petite messe solennelle

Drama, finesse and simplicity Det Norske Solistkor performs Gioachino Rossini's enigmatic and highly entertaining Petite messe solennelle. Despite the title, "A Small, Solemn Mass", the work contains great musical and emotional movements. This is one of Rossini's most personal works, written late in life, filled with both expressive power and beauty. Rossini is first and foremost known for his operatic energy and theatrical expression, which we also recognise in this mass. At the same time he writes here with unusual fervour and spiritual depth. We encounter theatrical devices, seriousness and fervour, often in rapid alternation and with great musical vitality. The work was written for a private salon in Paris and not for the church space, like several other masses. In this performance we follow Rossini's original intention: the soloists are not separated from the choir, but are part of the ensemble. The music constantly alternates between individual voices and collective sound. Together with the piano and the harmonium, this is a rich and varied chamber-music treasure. Performers Det Norske Solistkor Yuval Weinberg, conductor

• Yuval Weinberg