Organ Dedication, Church of Mater Dolorosa

“This pretty little church, in Pitt Street, was crowded to its utmost capacity last night, on occasion of the opening of the new organ, built by F. Barckhoff. A large number of clergymen were present, and a very fine chorus from the Berge Choral Union and the Beethoven Maennerchor, with several well known artists rendered a well selected programme in a style which was a decided novelty on the eastside. Dr. William Berge was the organist, and under his skillful touch all the powers of the instrument were brought out in strong relief. A very effective fantasia by Richter was first given which was followed by solos and choruses sung by Miss Teresa Wernecke, Mrs. Holbrooke, Tamaro, Duschintz, C. J. A. Wernecke and the male and mixed choruses. The organ is a genuine novelty and success, the solo stops being true to their orchestral origin and the mixture being of an entirely different quality from what we have heard on other more pretentious organs. The mixture is the most difficult stop on the organ, it being almost impossible to voice it in exact time. On this organ the effect is like that of a well trained military band or quartet. The flutes also speak in clear resonant tones, and one stop imitating the ‘cello, called the viola di braccio, is very effective. The Pilgrim’s chorus from Tannhauser was sung in magnificent style. Fathers Bonaventura, Andre, Macarthy and a half dozen other Catholic clergymen were present. Few churches in this city presented such a brilliant appearance last night as that of ‘Our Lady of Sorrows.’”