Search - Rossini, Chorus Musicus, Spering :: Rossini: Messe solennelle / Spering, et al

One of Rossini's "sins of old age"--as the composer actually entitled some of his works after retiring from the opera stage at 35--this Mass is something of an oddity, a 78-minute work the composer labeled "petite," for a dozen singers, including four soloists, accompanied by the unusual combination of piano and harmonium (who get their turn to shine in an instrumental "Preludio religioso"). A deeply devotional work, it still bears Rossini's opera buffa felicities, martial rhythms, and abundant melodies that exude Mediterranean charm and wit. Christoph Spering's performance is distinctive in its use of a harmonicorde, which has the characteristics of both piano and the traditional harmonium, yielding a ripeness to the instrumental accompaniment. The singing is variable, with the women outpointing the men. Definitely a work worth exploring by a master composer. --Dan Davis