St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Easter Services

“…The music will be under the direction of Prof. Schmitz, organist of the Cathedral; the mass to be sung being his own compositions, (Schmitz’s fourth,) being the same that was sung on last Christmas Day. The soloists are: Mme. Chome, soprano; Mme. Werner, alto; Henri Schmitz, tenor; Herr Sohst, basso.”

“…As the imposing Easter services of the Roman Catholic Church commenced the scene from the organ loft, crowed with singers and musicians, was indescribably impressive… THE SOLEMN MUSIC of the occasion, for it bore the [illeg.] in its swelling volumes up and away from all worldly thoughts into lofty admiration of the Creator, and made the cathedral walls a visible temple of God. The mass performed upon the occasion was the composition of the organist, Gustavus Schmitz, No. 4 in G, the Kyrie beginning with a fugue for basso, tenor, alto and soprano, with the Gloria chorus, Gratius Tergetio, for soprano, tenor and bass; Qui Tallis, chorus and soprano solo, and Com Sancto, chorus final. The principal singers were Miss J. Chomi, soprano; Mrs. Werner, tenor [sic]; Mr. Alvers, and basso Mr. Sahst [sic].”

“…The Mass was a composition of prof. Gustave Schmit, Organist of the Church, and was performed by a full band, and assisted by Prof. Henri Schmitz, the French horn-player. Solos were sustained by Madame Chome, soprano; Mrs. Werner, contro-alto, and Signor Sohet [sic], basso. At 4 p. m., Solemn Vespers were sung.”