Gioachino Rossini: Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, choir, harmonium and two pianos – coming to Laub on 21.12. 2021 at 8 p.m.

In its anniversary season, which marks the 80th anniversary of its founding, the HRT Choir continues to collaborate with the leading authorities on the European choir scene. A great impression in the past seasons of the Sfumato cycle was left by the collaborations with maestro Marc Korovich, so it is not surprising that his return is eagerly awaited.
The French maestro is the current chief conductor of Swedish Radio, and from next season he will take over the position of music director of the legendary Paris Orchestra Colonne and chief conductor of the Paris Orchestra Choir (Chœur de l’Orchestre de Paris). In addition, he is a professor of conducting at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Paris and at the Pôle Supérieur Paris-Boulogne-Billancourt.This time, the HRT Choir and excellent vocal and instrumental soloists will be led by Gioachino Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle.

Petite messe solennelle takes a special place in Rossini’s oeuvre. Created for the consecration of the private chapel of Count Michel-Frédéric Pillet-Will, the Little Solemn Mass is a rather extensive work, but, in its original version, of modest composition: twelve voices, two pianos and harmonies. At first glance, the unusual instrumentation owes its origins to the French liturgical tradition, but also to the intimate occasion for which the Mass was created: it was premiered at the Count’s residence in Rue Moncey in Paris on March 14, 1864 in front of selected guests.The next day, a public performance was organized, after which the critics concluded that it was a work that “orchestrated will have enough fire to melt the marble of the cathedral. ” At the urging of friends who also believed that Mass should be performed in large sacral spaces, but also fearing that someone else might do so after his death, Rossini made an orchestral version in 1867, but still preferring the original.

Although created for a particular occasion, the Petite messe solennelle is a very personal work; at the end of the score, the composer wrote: “Good God, here it is, the poor little Mass is over. Did I write sacred or damn music? I was born for opera buffa, you know that well! A little skill, a little heart, and that’s it. Be blessed therefore, and give me a place in paradise. ”

Live broadcast on the Third Program of Croatian Radio.

Entry to the concert is possible only with the presentation of the EU digital COVID-certificate (in electronic or written form). Wearing a protective mask is mandatory.

Tickets at the price of 50 kuna are on sale through the ulaznice.hr system and two hours before the start of the concert in Lauba.

Pensioners, pupils, students and group visits (more than 15 tickets) will be granted a 40% discount, and persons with disabilities, including an accompanying person, a 50% discount.
Subscribers of the Sfumato cycle and the Kanzonijer cycle from the 2019/2020 season, according to subscriber records, will be able to get a 25% discount.
Discounts can be obtained by purchasing a ticket in Lauba. Payment is in cash.

 

A small solemn mass

HRT Choir

Marc Korovitch, conductor

Natalia Kralj, soprano

Emilia Rukavina, mezzo-soprano

Filip Filipović, tenor

Davor Nekjak, baritone

Philip Fak, piano

Domagoj Gušćić, piano

Pavao Mašić, harmonium