Sacred Concert and Exhibition of Organ

“[T]he organ, recently completed, (which possesses the only complete vox humana stop in America).”

“The new and charming stop, ‘Vox Humana,’ recently imported from Paris, expressly for this organ, by Mr. U.C. Burnap, Organist of the church, which is the only complete stop of the kind in this country, will be exhibited on this occasion, with all its variety of effects.”

“Grand Organ Exhibition in the Fifth Avenue.—A very interesting organ exhibition and sacred concert was given last evening at the South Dutch church, corner of Twenty-first street and Fifth avenue. The entertainment was gotten up for the purpose of trying the new organ just completed by Messrs. Hull & Labugh, of this city, for the church above mentioned. The great feature of this instrument is the introduction of the celebrated stop ‘Vox Humana,’ said to be an exact facsimile of those in the grand organs of St. Eastache and the Madeleine, in Paris, and of the magnificent organ at the Fribourg, in Switzerland. The organ contains all the modern improvements, including the Bell open diapson [sic], and the display of its qualities last evening afforded the utmost satisfaction. If it is not the marvel of perfection claimed for it in the laudatory programme, it certainly possesses points of excellence in several particulars which entitle it to be numbered among the very best organs in our city churches. The splendid crescendo of the small organ, the completeness of its system of couplers and the power and fullness of the pedal organ, all combined, make it an instrument of rare excellence. The ‘Vox Humana,’ or human voice stop, enables the organist to produce a singularly natural imitation of the voice, in all its various tones and volumes, a fact which Mr. Burnap succeeded in demonstrating very beautifully last evening. The trumpet, clarion, cornet, flute and other stops are also very effective. The concert comprised a number of selections from the best masters of sacred music, vocal and instrumental.” [Lists performers.]

“[An] organ concert [was] given last week at the church corner of fifth avenue and Twenty-first street.”

     "Concert in the South Dutch Church.--Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the Church was well filled with a highly appreciative audience on Thursday evening. The programme (an excellent one by the way) was well executed. Prominent among the vocalists was Miss Brainerd, who was in good voice, and gave great satisfaction. The Duett with Mrs. Barclay was admirably performed and was one of the gems of the concert. Miss Gaskill, Mrs. Barclay, Mr. McPhail and Mr. Lewis were the principal soloists, and acquitted themselves very satisfactorily. The grand organ was a great feature in the attractions. Mr. Burnap, the organist of the Church, displayed all its variety of effects to the very best advantage. He is evidently at home on this king of instruments. Mr. C.W. Beames accompanied with his usual good taste."