Focussing on little-known and rarely performed Romantic European vocal chamber music of the 19th century, the 6 men of Singphoniker bring us 12 difficult works by Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868), and two by Franz Schubert, "La Pastorella" and "Der Gondelfahrer." Some favorites are "Chant funebre" (which includes some drums), "La Notte di Santo Natale," (with piano), "Choeur de chasseurs democrates," "L'invito," "La Danza," "Un Sou," and "Overture Guillaume Tell" (with piano). It's very clear, especially in this last cut, with the addition of silly sound effects, that the group is having big fun on stage and not taking themselves or the material too seriously. Good stuff!

Songlist: Preghiera, Chant funebre, La Notte di Santa Natale, Toast pour le nouvel an, Choeur de chasseus democrates, Overture - Il barbiere di Siviglia, La Pastorella, Der Gondelfahrer, I Gondolieri, Overture - La gazza ladra, L'invito, La Danza, Un Sou, Overture - Guillaume Tell

Rossini's "Little Solemn Mass, " which the composer famously called "neither little, nor more than intermittently solemn," was nevertheless a great success at its premiere in Paris on March 14, 1864, by which time the famous opera composer was already long "retired," though he continued to write in non-operatic genres. Rossini was 71 when he wrote it, and it was to be his last large composition. The other small songs and piano pieces he created were published under the ironic title of Peches de vieillesse - "Sins of My Old Age." The first version was scored for two pianos, harmonium, and twelve voices and did not yet include the "O Salutaris" for soprano solo which was added later.Within three years Rossini had responded to requests for an orchestration; this version for large ensemble was not given until after the composer's death, at the Theatre Italien in Paris, on February 24, 1869. The Quink Vocal Ensemble is one of the best vocal groups in the world. Their repertoire includes a cappella works ranging from the early Renaissance to contemporary music. Quink has toured the U.S. at least once a year since 1985 and recorded many albums for Telarc.

Songlist: Kyrie, Gloria, Laudamus Te, Gratias, Domine Deus, Qui Tollis, Quoniam, Cum Sancto Spiritu, Credo Crucixus, Et Resurrexit, Et Vitam VEnturi, Prelude Relgieux, Ritournelle, Sanctus Benedictus, O Salutaris, Agnus Dei, Prelude Religieux

The Petite Petite Messe solennelle is one of Rossini's last large-scale works. Even though a late work, and a religious work at that, Rossini manages to bring his sparkling wit and operatic flair to the proceedings. The present recording is the first CD recording of the original version for four voices accompanied by two pianos and harmonium. Rupert Huber and the SWR Vocal ensemble Stuttgart perform with style and commitment bringing their enthusiasm for "New Music" to this rediscovered masterwork.

Songlist: Kyrie, Gloria, Gloria in Excelcis Deo, Gratias agimus tibi, Domine Deus, Qui Tollis, Quoniam, Cum Sanctus Spiritu, Credo, Credo in unum Deum, Crucifixus, Et Resurrexit, Preludoio Religioso, Sanctus, O Salutaris Hostia, Agnus Dei