Review 16 May 2026
| Type of post: | Review |
| Sub-type: | No sub-type |
| Posted By: | Mike Elcock |
| Status: | Current |
| Date Posted: | Mon, 18 May 2026 |
Thornbury Choral Society Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle 16 May 2026
The Rossini is a lovely piece of relaxed music, written at the same time as the so called “sins of old age.” You can picture the comfy chair and fireplace with the musicians and Rossini at one with the world. It is a contented and relaxed mass with a jovial feel that runs all through the piece. What better way for Steven Kings and the Thornbury Choral Society to finish their 21 year relationship.
Straight away the Kyrie was nicely shaped with good restrained choral singing. Without an orchestra the choir were in the direct line of sight and heads were out of the copies matching the clear direction. The bold opening of the Gloria signified a change of mood as the choir filled the church with a lovely choral sound. My favourite movement in this mass is the Gratias, Rossini somehow got this just right and the performance tonight was a delight to listen to.
Rounding off the first half was the Cum Sancto Spiritu. A lively pace well managed by the choir. The later fugal entries were pulled off with confidence.
The Credo set off the second half and I was impressed by the choral line, no doubt helped by eyes being up and the excellent direction. I sensed that Et Vitam was a bit more eyes down but still well managed.
There were many solo arias all nicely delivered but the big praise should go to Christopher Williams for absolutely faultless accompaniment throughout the evening.
The final Agnus Dei was beautifully controlled bringing a delightful evening’s music to a close.
Sitting next to a previous chair of TCS I commented that the society has grown in stature and performance quality over the years that I have been lucky enough to hear them. Beyond that, the whole environment created by the various committees and Steven Kings is one of a friendly, inclusive group that strives for the best performances. I look forward to more delightful music making in the coming years.
Chris Hill
The Rossini is a lovely piece of relaxed music, written at the same time as the so called “sins of old age.” You can picture the comfy chair and fireplace with the musicians and Rossini at one with the world. It is a contented and relaxed mass with a jovial feel that runs all through the piece. What better way for Steven Kings and the Thornbury Choral Society to finish their 21 year relationship.
Straight away the Kyrie was nicely shaped with good restrained choral singing. Without an orchestra the choir were in the direct line of sight and heads were out of the copies matching the clear direction. The bold opening of the Gloria signified a change of mood as the choir filled the church with a lovely choral sound. My favourite movement in this mass is the Gratias, Rossini somehow got this just right and the performance tonight was a delight to listen to.
Rounding off the first half was the Cum Sancto Spiritu. A lively pace well managed by the choir. The later fugal entries were pulled off with confidence.
The Credo set off the second half and I was impressed by the choral line, no doubt helped by eyes being up and the excellent direction. I sensed that Et Vitam was a bit more eyes down but still well managed.
There were many solo arias all nicely delivered but the big praise should go to Christopher Williams for absolutely faultless accompaniment throughout the evening.
The final Agnus Dei was beautifully controlled bringing a delightful evening’s music to a close.
Sitting next to a previous chair of TCS I commented that the society has grown in stature and performance quality over the years that I have been lucky enough to hear them. Beyond that, the whole environment created by the various committees and Steven Kings is one of a friendly, inclusive group that strives for the best performances. I look forward to more delightful music making in the coming years.
Chris Hill
