The temperature on Sunday was very warm outside, meanwhile the music in the Temple Speech Rooms was HOT, HOT, HOT!
Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle remains a captivating blend of chamber intimacy and operatic flamboyance – not petite, nor always solemn, but full of charm and drama. The Rugby Philharmonic Choir, together with the glorious soloists, pianist and harmonium player brought out its theatrical spirit while respecting its liturgical heart, offering a delightfully balanced and expressive rendition.
The voices of the Rugby Philharmonic choir navigated Rossini’s fugal passages (Cum Sancto Spiritu, Et resurrexit) with striking clarity, agility, and stylish ensemble work, especially impressive with a smaller choir present. Together, and with the fabulously direct and supportive conducting of Laurence Panter, they reached new highs and, where appropriate, lows.
Laurence’s strong leadership gave pronounced texture, clarity, rhythmic precision and attention to delicate ensemble texture achieving an expressive sound and confidence in reaching the extreme notes and to follow the rhythm, no matter what speed.
The Soprano & Mezzo soloists shone with heartfelt nuance. The soprano’s “Crucifixus” was tender and introspective, while the mezzo delivered the “Agnus Dei” with rich depth and intensity.
They delivered a performance that truly captured Rossini’s “last sin of my old age”, elegant yet exuberant, devotional yet playful. From the hushed moments of “Crucifixus” to the rousing fugues that followed, there was a sense of collective delight.
In addition, the Tenor & Bass soloists brought true operatic flair to “Domine Deus” (tenor) and
“Quoniam” (bass), their voices buoyant and expressive, smiles lit their faces, yet vocal artistry shone through.
Our accomplished pianist and harmonium players delivered a masterclass in chamber synergy. The piano was nimble and dramatic, particularly in the quirky offertory, while the harmonium added that essential Rossinian texture and atmosphere.
Their playing demanded a lot of physical effort from each of them and with much of Rossini’s lyrical music in the instrumental it found a very appreciative audience.
The entire evening demonstrated that everyone gave of their best to the delight of the audience. Kudos to all for bringing this rare, delicate gem to life with conviction, style, and warmth. The audience left not with solemn reverence, but with smiles, moved by both devotion and delight, just as Rossini would have wished.
