Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle

On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of Rossini’s death, crowds gathered at the Leipziger Gewandhaus to witness a world-class performance of Rossini’s large-scale, choral work: the Petite Messe solennelle. Riccardo Chailly – whose ‘genius for the Rossini style has ripened with the years’ (Gramophone) – lead a spectacular ensemble of four internationally renowned singers, the combined forces of the choir of the Leipzig Opera and the Gewandhaus Choir, and the Gewandhaus orchester. Their harmonious, ethereal rendition received a heartfelt ovation that affirms the beguiling effect of the last of Rossini’s ‘Sins of old age’.