Reflection for November 20

On the manuscript of Rossini’s late masterpiece the Petite Messe solennelle, which he completed at the age of 71, he wrote this postscript: “Dear God, here it is finished, this poor little Mass. Is this sacred music which I have written or music of the devil? I was born for opera buffa, as you well know. A little science, a little heart, that’s all. Be blessed, then and admit me to paradise. G. Rossini. Passy 1863.”