This website uses cookies. By continuing to browse without changing your settings you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more in our Privacy Policy.
Tickets

Camerata Silesia / (Not So) Petite Solemn Mass - NOSPR

Camerata Silesia / (Not So) Petite Solemn Mass

Buy ticket Seats
Tickets: 30-40 zł
Grzesiek Mart
Program
Gioacchino Rossini
Petite messe solennelle for choir, solo quartet, piano, and harmonium

The Petite messe solennelle, or Not So Petite Solemn Mass, is not as small as the title suggests. On the contrary, it is considered one of Gioacchino Rossini's most extensive works, even interpreted as a sort of spiritual testament. 

So, why "petite"? Originally conceived as a rather intimate piece, it was meant to encompass only the necessary artists for its performance. The reason was quite practical – the place of its premiere. The chapel in Count Alexis Pillet-Willa's private residence on Rue Moncey in Paris was not very spacious, hence Rossini decided to score the composition for just four soloists, mixed choir, two pianos, and harmonium. 

Rossini did not conceal that the number of singers mirrored the twelve apostles, as depicted in Leonardo da Vinci's fresco The Last Supper. However, as Rossini himself assured God, there would be no Judas in this group, and the singing would be con amore, for the glory of the divine. He humorously summed it up, deeming his work to be... the last mortal sin, a product of old age. 

Rossini created an extraordinary work, profound yet filled with the typical lightness of his earlier operas. However, he harbored some uncertainty about the value of what he had created. In the dedication, written with a great distance to music and himself, he declared: 

"Good God. This Petite Messe is finished. But is it sacred music, or is it sacrilege? I was born to write comic opera, but in this music, there is my knowledge and my heart; I have put everything into it. So may all be blessed, and may I be granted paradise." 

A few years after the premiere, he orchestrated it again, as he said, solely to prevent others from doing so. In comparison to the original, he added two instrumental compositions (which were absent in the chamber version) – the religious prelude and the fugue in the Offertory. He also supplemented it with the soprano aria O salutaris hostia, based on the hymn of St. Thomas Aquinas. He stipulated that these additions could only be performed after his death. The reason was prosaic. Despite Rossini's pleas, the Pope did not grant permission to involve female voices in performances as originally intended – within the temples. The composer did not hold cathedral boys' choirs in high regard. Unfortunately, the Pope did not heed the composer's request. Rossini's last wish was respected. The world had to wait until February 24, 1869, when the orchestrated version was publicly performed for the first time. This happened on the occasion of Rossini's 77th birthday, but it was already after his passing. 

This concert can be part of "My Subscription." Check the details and create "My Subscription" freely by choosing from various concerts in the chamber and concert halls – more information

Check the upcoming concerts in this series.

Upcoming events

NOSPR / Spotti / Prandi / Berlioz's fantastic world
S2Subscription
202319:30

NOSPR / Spotti / Prandi / Berlioz's fantastic world

Concert Hall

Sold out
Music from Notre Dame Cathedral
Organ concerts / My Season Ticket
202319:30

Music from Notre Dame Cathedral

Concert Hall

Sold out
Dopamine, degradation and vulgar forms
New music / My Season Ticket
202318:00

Dopamine, degradation and vulgar forms

Chamber Hall

Buy ticket
The Puppini Sisters / Koncert Świąteczno-Urodzinowy Fundacji Oko w Oko z Rakiem
Guest Concerts
202319:30
A Christmas photo of The Puppini Sisters

The Puppini Sisters / Koncert Świąteczno-Urodzinowy Fundacji Oko w Oko z Rakiem

Concert Hall

Buy ticket
Artur Rojek
Guest Concerts
202317:30

Artur Rojek

Concert Hall

Artur Rojek
Guest Concerts
202320:30

Artur Rojek

Concert Hall

Pianissimo / Sensory Concerto
Pianissimo. Sensory Concerts
202319:30

Pianissimo / Sensory Concerto

Chamber Hall

NOSPR / Alsop / Currie / Christmas Overture
S1Subscription
202319:30

NOSPR / Alsop / Currie / Christmas Overture

Concert Hall

Last tickets
Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah
Special concerts
202319:30

Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah

Concert Hall

Last tickets
JazzKLUB / Ślina Trzaska
JazzKLUB / My Season Ticket
202319:30

JazzKLUB / Ślina Trzaska

Chamber Hall

Buy ticket

100PLN

We need some details, please
0
Loading