Music from Italian romantic opera carries the text of the Catholic mass! This delightful and rare combination can be heard in the version for soloists, choir and two keyboard instruments. Elisabeth Schmeißer (soprano), Anna-Maria Kawatzopoulus (alto), Michael Zabanoff (tenor), Lars Grünwoldt (bass), Silke Vogler (piano), Benjamin Jäger (organ) and the St. Marien choir under the direction of KMD Karl-Bernhardin Kropf will perform.
Have you ever wondered what it sounds like when the music of Italian romantic opera meets the texts of the (Catholic) Mass?
When the plea for forgiveness of sins is expressed as imploringly as the plea for the return of burning love? When the Gloria resounds like a hymn of praise for returning heroes? When faith is affirmed like the pledge to a revolution?
And when the composer shows in between that he still knows something about old contrapuntal art?
If you have never heard it before, you should definitely get to know the "Petite Messe solennelle" by Gioacchino Rossini! It was written in Paris in 1863 as a commission for the master of opera, who had long since retired. Enjoy this testimony to Italian piety and vocal music, about which the composer himself writes humbly and somewhat ironically:
"Dear God. Here it is, the poor little mass. Have I really made sacred music (musique sacrée), or have I made sacrilegious music (sacrée musique)? I was born for opera buffa. You know it well! A little skill, a little heart, that's all.
So be praised and grant me paradise."
Tickets at EUR 18/15 (concessions 15/12) are available from the press center (Steintor-Kreuzung), at mvticket.de and at the box office. The performers look forward to seeing you!
