Thanks to Rossini's mass, the years-long international cooperation between the cities of Brno and Stuttgart will transform into an important musical event in Brno, which will take place on March 27, 2023, in the Hall of the Merciful Brothers.
Musique sacrée? Bon Dieu!
Perhaps this is how Gioacchino Rossini sighed ironically in 1867 after completing the Petite Messe Solennelle . At the end of his rich life, the great master of Italian opera of the first half of the 19th century wrote a composition in Paris that few expected from him - a messe solennelle, i.e. a traditional Latin missa solemnis, in other words a "solemn mass", which is usually written by other authors for sacred environment of Roman Catholic churches. However, Rossini wrote his composition for a private salon and probably did not realize how revolutionary and timeless it was for the time of its creation.
He humorously called this mass "the last deadly sin of old age". Rossini's words after finishing the piece reveal a mixture of humility and humor as he questions whether he has created sacred music or damned music. "Dear God—look, this wretched mass is finished. Is it sacred music, or just a simple sacrilegious din that I have invented?" His playful dedication to God thus expresses doubts about the sanctity of his music and recognition of his operatic roots. Born for opera buffa, Rossini was thus known for his musical guile. The very name "Little Solemn Mass" is also ironic, because what should have been petit/malé lasts a sublime 80 minutes. Written between 1863 and 1867, the piece was originally intended for a small ensemble of voices and instruments, including a harmonium, two pianos, and a chorus of twelve singers with four soloists.
As part of the partnership between the cities of Brno and Stuttgart, the international Ökumenischer Choir der Christus und St.Konrad-Kirche Stuttgart will present itself in cooperation with Brno artists who will interpret this mass in a concert called Music for Friendship/Musik bringt Freu(n)de.
In an exceptional international staging, the Stuttgart choir will be led by the experienced choirmaster Florian Löth. Pianists Ema Jedlička Gogova and Šárka Bartošová will take the piano parts, while the atmosphere of the mass will be emphasized by the harmonium part played by the young organist Dávid Sedlář.
Together with the members of the choir, German soloists will perform in the singing parts. The talented Sophie Sauter will sing the soprano part, the alto part is left to Margret Hauser, the tenor to Jo Holzwarth and the bass part will be played by Malte Kebschull. Their vocal harmony and conviction will lead the listener on an exciting musical journey.
Rossini originally dedicated the composition to the distinguished Parisian hostess Duchess Webster, who often prepared a musical treat for her guests at half past five in the afternoon, usually before dinner. However, Rossini's original intention to interpret the mass in a chamber atmosphere and in the early evening will not be realized in Brno. On the contrary, this event will honor its festive character and form. The concert takes place one evening on March 27, 2023 at 6 p.m. in the Hall of the Merciful Brothers in Brno, Vídeňská 7, Brno 639 00.
The patronage of the concert was taken over by the Minister of Culture Martin Baxa, the Mayor of Brno Markéta Vaňková and the Mayor of Stuttgart Frank Nopper. The concert is financially supported by the cities of Brno and Stuttgart.
Come and immerse yourself in the world of great music in the international atmosphere of an exceptional classical music concert. Tickets are available for sale at www.iclbrno.cz .
We are looking forward to your participation!
