The Sweet Choral Music of Rossini

 

Variety has become a real problem for choral albums.

Slow, slow, slow is usually the case, and it drives me nuts. Can composers of recent a cappella choral music not figure out driving rhythms and up-tempos in favor of an eternity of long-breathed lines?

That is not a problem here however, other than all of the music is coming from the pen of a single composer.

In this respect, Rossini tends towards the sweetly songful, with gentle rocking rhythms in the choral settings. Occasional outbursts are not uncommon and are most welcome when they appear.

The sacred music is Rossini's most different and complex, where he turns back the clock and composes with Renaissance polyphony blowing at his back. The double-chorus Cantemus Domino is probably the most impressive in this respect, where Giovanni Gabrieli comes to mind.

The South German Radio Choir handles the music well here, and it might well be my favorite recording of his choral music, not that there are many to choose from.

 

A review from 2024

This recording of Rossini choral music is actually a reissue from 1993 on Carus, upgraded to a digipak. In addition, five tracks (of 17) are taken from other collections spanning 1979-1987 with Eric Ericson and Helmut Wolf leading, while the other 12 are from 1992 with Rupert Huber conducting.


The works are divided nicely into a thoughtful program. Four Latin sacred works, where the composer takes inspiration from the double chorus Renaissance traditions, such as Gabrieli. Then, three gently lilting religious songs in Italian for women’s chorus and four patriotic/drinking songs for men’s chorus, two of which feature percussion, including a clamourous tam-tam ala Cherubini.


The final six songs are secular songs for mixed choir. Generally speaking, Rossini prefers gently lapping, songful serenade settings over anything overly dramatic or coarse. All of these are rarely performed, nor recorded, so they are a treasure for anyone who enjoys choral music.


Some of this music is a cappella, but others are accompanied by piano (or four hands) and the balance of voice and instruments are well judged. The South German Radio Choir, now the SWR Vokalensemble, sing well, and the soloist, who I assume come from with the ensemble, are fun to listen to.


Otherwise, this is a great recording for exploring the little known side from Rossini, especially in music after his retirement from opera life.

 

Performers
SWR Vokalensemble
Roland Keller, piano
Susan Wenckus, piano

Rupert Huber, conductor
Eric Ericson, conductor
Helmut Wolf, conductor

Label: Carus
Year: 1993; 2012
Total Timing: 65.42

 

 

A fine performance of choral music from Rossini.

The composer's genial, sunny attitude is on display with a few pieces going against the grain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Rossini recordings HERE!