Next to the Stabat Mater, the Petite Messe solennelle of 1863 is Rossini’s second extensive sacred composition. Ostensibly, the work was an occasional piece, written for the dedication of a private chapel for the once well-to-do Parisian nobility. This explains the reduced instrumental accompaniment for two pianos and harmonium. Of course this instrumental garb, reminiscent of decent, elevated salon music, produces an unmistakable timbre which through its typical Rossini rhythm obtains an additi...