movement of the mass begins with an introduction that is similar to that to the "Crucifixus". The piano then begins another ostinato pattern as the base for expressive melodies by the contralto soloist, repeating many times "Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis" (Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy). After an extended cadence the choir sings a capella, twice and very simply: "Dona nobis pacem" (Give us peace). This process is repeated in different harmony, and once more in a major mode, leading to an intense request for peace of the soloist and the choir together. Then the movement returns to the introduction, with its soft chords interrupted by rests, and ends with a few strong hammered chords. Notes and references Notes References Sources General sources Books Journals Newspapers Online sources Further reading External links 1972, piano version, at the Stiftskirche of Kloster Baumberg im Chiemgau, Brigitte Fassbaender, with Kari Løvaas, Peter Schreier, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, conducted by Wolfgang Sawallisch from the piano Photograph of the note of intention written and signed by the hand of Rossini Rossini Petite Messe Solenelle Review, BBC 2006 Allan Kozinn: "A Solemn Mass, from Rossini, with Bounce", The New York Times, 24 March 2010 Amalia Collisani: Umorismo di Rossini sidm.it 1998 Liste des Péchés de vieillesse, German Rossini Society Compositions by Gioachino Rossini Rossini 1863 compositions Music with dedications