Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle | Adrian Partington (conductor)

Rossini's setting of the Mass in his own inimitable style - described by the composer himself as the last of his 'sins of old age' - belies its title, being neither particularly small nor solemn.

Rossini wrote on the score: 'Is it indeed sacred music (la musique sacrée) that I have just written, or merely some damned music (la sacré musique)? You know well, I was born for comic opera. Little science, a little heart, that is all. So may you be blessed, and grant me Paradise!'

Lively and joyous, full of memorable tunes, wit and irrepressible vitality, an impressive line-up of artists assemble to perform this almost irreverent Italian operatic take on the liturgical text in the glorious setting of Bristol Cathedral.