Rossini's slightly outrageous Petite Messe Solennelle, neither petite nor solemn by the way, was written some 40 years after the operas Rossini was famous for and was meant for private salon performance only, hence the unusual accompaniment of two pianos and harmonium. It is set in the normal Catholic liturgy, and does start with a gentle Kyrie, but Rossini's irrepressible operatic exuberance soon manifests itself – quiet moments give way to fanfares, dramatic solos and choruses full of joy and musical bravado.