Repertoire: The BEST Rossini Petite Messe solennelle

[@pierrerobitaille5324]

I was able recently to purchase a used but impeccable 2 cd box containing the Sawallisch recording of the delightfully moving and inspired Petite Messe Solennelle by Rossini. It was released by Eurodisc in 1985, and made in Japan. It used to be available in France on RCA. The live recording was made in the baroque church of the Baumburg monastery in Bavaria in 1972. Like SawallischÈs complete recordings of Schubert sacred music, it is noble, elegant, respectful of the lovely simplicity and formal distinction of this unique composition. The audience is quiet, which allows us to fully appreciate the perhaps unequalled quartet of talented soloists: Peter Schreier and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau ( before he barked), the forgotten Nordic soprano Kari Lovaas and, especially, the thoughtful and passionate Brigitte Fassbaender. This is a small scale, intense and intimate version with four solo vocal voices, double quartet, harmonium and two pianos. Sawallisch conducts and is the pianist in the solos. Obviously, a labor of love for all tha artists involved and, for me, a reference. Good to have it back.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, it is superb, and had it been easier to source I would have spent some time talking about it.

[@WesSmith-m6i]

Boy, I sure wish I knew of your channel about a year ago when my wife was preparing to sing the Petite Messe Solenelle with the Oratorio Society of Virginia. She would have very much enjoyed this chat. Thank you.

[@dorbbb]

Love this piece, happy morning!

[@stanleymurashige7766]

I just started listening to the Creed recording and love it, love it! I was hooked from the first chords. Thanks tons!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@bingbongtoysKY]

I agree 💯 %!!! I love it- I can't believe this thing exists- incredible

[@StephenTarr-l4l]

I found the Creed cd in a secondhand shop for $1 today, and here is your discussion on this amazing smile-inducing work...

[@markwoods1951]

Listened to the Chailly version first as I very much like orchestral rather than choral music. Liked it. But the Creed version totally blew my away. Had to purchase it. This is now by far my favorite choral work ever. I checked this out after listening to the full version of The Thieving Magpie which was your choice to present to the god Cancrizans. Just wanted to ephasize, that you now have so many videos, I can spend a whole day tracking down new music inspired by just one of your videos, and website too.

[@frgraybean]

One of my favorite Mass settings. Great video...thank you! Yes...please do a video of those wonderful piano works. Most people are surprised to learn of their very existence. I have 8 CDs worth. I’m sure there are more out there.

[@12Trappor]

The version with SWR Vokalensemble conducted by Rupert Huber seems to be from the 1990s, when Huber was chief conductor. Marcus Creed's version with RIAS Kammerchor appears to have been released in 2001. In 2003, Creed left RIAS Kammerchor after many years as their chief conductor and took over - SWR Vokalensemble! Two very well respected choirs, with lots of excellent recordings.

[@cartologist]

The Pavarotti one is chamber. I have it because I wanted the Kertesz Stabat Mater, but it didn’t do much for me, which is why I came here. Creed or Chailly are in my future.

[@ftumschk]

Totally agree about the Marcus Creed/RIAS Kammerchor recording. It's by far my favourite.

[@fernandodecicco9862]

I like the Chailly but more the Marriner on Philips for the orchestral version. Creed is a must have for the original. Many thanks!

[@basilpeewit3350]

The Kyrie is one of the beautiful choral pieces ever....in, to my mind, the best version: Chailly

[@bingbongtoysKY]

the Best!!! what a wonderful recording!(the Creed) one of my absolute favorite peices of music ever- Rossini a freaking Juggernaut! did you ever do a video of the late piano works?

[@bbailey7818]

Footnote: the delightful story about the funeral march involved Meyerbeer's nephew, Jules Beer. He was actually a published composer and I own an antique vocal score of his opera, La Fille d'Egypte. Probably not a candidate for revival, even by Bru Zane. But I will certainly investigate some of these Petites I dont have.

[@senhueichen3062]

This is exactly I like to know. Thank you, gong gong gong.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

You're welcome

[@williamwhittle216]

Love Meyerbeer story! 🤪