Rossini’s death just over 150 years ago caused a massive outpouring of grief and affection. Thousands flocked to his funeral. In this climate, Verdi suggested to Rossini’s publisher, Ricordi, that a Requiem be composed by Italy’s greatest composers, to be performed on his anniversary – a truly grand event, had it eventuated. Verdi and a dozen others wrote the music, but petty politics prevented a performance. The score gathered dust for over a century. (Verdi reworked his Libera me for his own Requiem.)

Messa per Rossini finally received its first performance in 1988 in Stuttgart under the direction of Helmuth Rilling, who also recorded it. Chailly’s recording is taken from live performances...