No other composer in the first half of nineteenth century Italy received such acclaim as Gioachino Rossini. He was the finest writer of opera, his mixture of humour, sparkling music and attractive melodies bringing him considerable wealth. "Give me a shopping list and I will set it to music!" he is alleged to have said.

Operatic and highly original in style, the Stabat Mater is a popular expression of Mediterranean belief in life and faith. Along with his Petite messe solennelle, it was the most sincere way Rossini could pay due respect to his creator.