Petite messe solennelle
by Gioachino Rossini

When: Sunday, April 23, 2023, at 5:00 pm
Where: Alma Thomas Theater in the Sarofim Fine Arts Building on the Southwestern University campus, Georgetown, Texas
Who: San Gabriel Chorale under the direction of Dr. Bruce Cain
Tickets: $20 adults, Students Free with Southwestern University ID

Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) was an Italian composer most famous for his 39 operas, including Barber of Seville, La Cenerentola (Cinderella) and William Tell. His early successes in opera earned Rossini fame and fortune in his time – probably comparable to today’s pop stars. Many of these operas have endured and are often performed today around the world. He also composed piano pieces, chamber music, vocal song cycles, and some sacred music.

Ill health and personal circumstances led to Rossini’s early “retirement” at age 37, while at the peak of his opera successes. He composed little over the next 25 years, while his mental and physical health became precarious. Fortunately, Rossini was able to recover some health and vitality after age 63 and returned to composing. His later works, published as Peches de vieillesse (sins of old age), include a variety of chamber music, solo piano pieces, vocal song cycles and sacred works.

The sacred work, Petite messe solennelle, was composed in 1863, when Rossini was 71 years old. The San Gabriel Chorale is performing this piece as originally scored for choir, soloists, two pianos and harmonium.

After Rossini’s death in 1868 at age 76, his star reputation and legacy gradually faded somewhat, with newer opera styles developing and other composers taking the limelight. Early in the 20th century, a more lasting appreciation of Rossini’s music emerged, aided by music scholarship and frequent productions of his operas, especially Barber of Seville and La Cenerentola. The San Gabriel Chorale is pleased to offer this production of Petite messe solenelle.