An operatic composer of timeless renown, Gioachino Rossini also composed sacred music, chamber music, songs, and instrumental and piano works. Rossini referred to Petite Messe Solennelle as the last of his “peches de vieillesse” (sins of old age). First performed in 1864 in a private chapel of a friend of the composer in Passy, France, Petite Messe is characterized by contrapuntal writing, elaborate chromatics and harmonic audacity. This is its first performance by Columbia Pro Cantare.

Jennifer Holbrook, soprano, Leah Serr, mezzo, John Noh, tenor, Steven Eddy, baritone, Alison Gatwood, piano, Erik Apland, piano, Donald Fries, harmonium