Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) referred to his Petite Messe Solennelle as the 'last mortal sin of my old age'. Written in 1863 for the Countess Louise Pillet-Will and first performed on 14 March 1864 at the consecration of the Countess' private chapel, the Mass is one of Rossini's finest achievements and the outstanding work of his 'retirement'. This vocal score is set for SATB soli, SATB choir, harmonium and two pianos.
