Rossini's Stabat mater was commissioned by a high-ranking official in Madrid. Rossini agreed to the commission on the condition that he retained the rights. His reward was a gold snuff box set with diamonds. Due to lack of time, Rossini completed only half (Nos.1, 5-9). The remaining parts were composed by his friend Tadolini. After the official's death, the manuscript was sold, much to Rossini's
… annoyance. This was not only because of a breach of contract, but also because dual authorship could be revealed. Rossini therefore substituted Tadolini's parts after all. The final result was premiered in Paris in 1842. Some contemporary listeners have to get used to Rossini's operatic style, as if it did not belong in a religious work. The hoempapa accompaniment to the tenor aria Cujus animam is indeed on the edge. It's just a bit lame to dismiss the work for that reason, because even this aria has effective dramatic accents. (HJ)more
