Gioachino Rossini's last work, the Petite Messe Solennelle (Little Solemn Mass), was composed in 1863. Rossini was living in Paris, having stopped writing operas over 30 years previously. He described the mass as 'the last of my sins of old age'. It was originally scored for twelve singers, including four soloists, accompanied by two pianos and a harmonium. In this performance the accompaniment will be four hands piano.
