Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle
Wed, Feb 2 2011, 8:19AM
What an extraordinary piece of music this is. Given its time it certainly lacks the usual sentimentality one expects of the age.
I understand Rossini also lightly orchestrated this work too. A quick search in Gramophone Archive comes up with nothing, so who can guide me to good recordings of both versions?
Thanks
Sat, Feb 12 2011, 12:21PM
#2
RE: Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle
I think the Sawallisch recording on Eurodisc from the early 1970s of the piano/harmonium version is still unsurpassed. Magnificent solo singing by Lovaas, Fassbaender, Schreier and Fischer-Dieskau, a superb vocal ensemble as well and outstanding pacing by the conductor. I have the LPs but don't get the one CD version which cuts the piano solo. This was always Richard Osborne's favourite in Gramophone too!
I have, what I think is the only recording, with Rossinis own orchestration: Decca 444134-2 recorded by Chailly/Bologna Teatro. The "normal" version with piano/harmonium exist in many recordings: The one on Harmonia Mundi HMC 901724 with RIAS-Kammerchor/Marcus Creed is good. I too, love the piece and have played the harmonium part on some occasions.