Credits:

Rupert Huber

Description:

Rossinis Little Solemn Mass, composed during the final years of his life. Rossini himself is said to have remarked that this work was an old mans final sin, and I dont know whether Ive written sacred music or cursed music. It features a unique ensemble consisting of two pianos and a harmonium providing accompaniment, with 12 singers (whom Rossini called little angels) taking turns singing. While performances typically use a score arranged for orchestra, this recording made headlines as the first to use the first draft based on the score published by Carus in 1991. The vocal expression closely tied to the text, and the exquisite sound created by the pianos and harmoniumthis mature work, characteristic of Rossinis deep understanding of both voice and instrument, is magnificently performed by the Southwest German Radio Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Huber, who served as chief conductor from