The Mass

Mass (also known as Holy Communion or Eucharist) is one of the most important acts of worship in the Christian religion. The main purpose of the worship or service is to re- enact the Last Supper, which Jesus asked his disciples to do in his memory. As early as the 7th century it became customary for the fixed parts of the Catholic Mass text to be set to music. The fixed parts of the text are called Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei. To these sections Rossini added the O Salutaris, a verse from a hymn, and the Preludio religioso, an instrumental piece for piano or harmonium.

Rossini's Mass

When studying this work it must be remembered that Rossini (1792– 1868) wrote most of his operas in the first part of the 19th century, which marks the changeover from the Classical style to the Romantic. It should also be borne in mind that he ‘retired’ from composing opera after completing William Tell in 1829 at the age of 38, and at the height of considerable fame and fortune. Thirty- four years later, when Rossini composed Petite messe solennelle, Romantic music was evolving ever more rapidly towards the eventual breakdown of tonality, but at the same time there was also a greater awareness of the European music of the past. Thus it follows that you will find elements of many styles, past and present, in this work, especially the opera buffa (comic opera) for which Rossini is best remembered, as he acknowledged in his own dedication to God on the autograph score:

Even the title is tongue in cheek: this Mass is not little (it lasts well over an hour), and it is not necessarily solemn! But it certainly showcases Rossini's natural ability to compose free- flowing music and his gift for beautiful songlike melodies, the musical element he prized above all others.