Rossini: Dixit Dominus

 

Who knew Rossini wrote this?

Well, I haven't looked too far into it, but AllMusic tells me Rossini's attachment to this music is spurious. Yet, here we are regardless.

The work is a joyful affair, as is typical with the Dixit Dominus sequence taken from Psalms. It is a text that, when set to music, is usually a joyful or celebratory occasion. Handel's setting is perhaps one of the most well known, interesting for its Italian influences.

Here, Rossini, if it is his music, sets orchestra, chorus, and soloists in the jubilant key of C Major, allowing for brass and winds to have a good time as well. As is typical with Rossini's sacred music, solo voice takes precedence over the chorus, although the choir is given their moments at important musical junctions.

The San Paulo label catches the Bratislava Radio Orchestra in a rather billowy acoustic, yet once the ears adjust everything is balanced pretty well. Since I haven't seen another recordings of this work, Edoardo Brizio's leading of this music remains wholly satisfactory, if not moreso.

The addition of Rossini's Christmas motet and another Tantum Ergo setting, one different from the earlier set of Rossini sacred music HERE, fills out the recording. I wish I could find a baritone I like in his Noël motet, for I imagine it a rather lovely piece.

Listen on YouTube

Works
Dixit Dominus (33.06)
Christmas Night (6.30)
Tantum Ergo (5.15)|

Soloists
Masha Carrera, soprano
Roberto Bencivenga, tenor
Carlo Lepore, bass

Performers
Bratislava Radio Choir
Bratislava Radio Orchestra
Edoardo Brizio, conductor

Label: San Paulo
Year: 1998
Total Timing: 44.51

Might not be Rossini, but if you are in the mood for celebratory, Classical Era music making, this will do the job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Rossini recordings HERE!