St. Stephen’s Catholic Church: Easter Services

“…The musical exercises will consist of Millard’s popular mass in G, given under the direction of Prof. George W. Morgan, organist of this church. At the offertory a new ‘Ave Verum,’ composed expressly for the occasion, will be sung. The piece is concerted for voice, harp, organ and full orchestra. Prof. Toulmin will play the harp accompaniment. An orchestra of thirty-five pieces will take part in all the musical services. The high reputation which has always attached to St. Stephen’s for its exquisite music will doubtless attract a very large congregation today.”

“…THE MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS, under the direction of Mr. George W. Morgan, the organist, were highly creditable and evidently afforded great satisfaction to the numerous assemblage. Although not pretending to be of a very classical character, Millard’s mass in G, the one performed, was entirely appropriate, from the rather light and joyous nature of the composition. It was admirably rendered by the choir and brought out to the best advantage. There was an orchestra in attendance, consisting of twenty-eight pieces, including some of the best instrumentalists in the Philharmonic Society—a chorus of twenty-four well trained voices. The harp accompaniment, by Mr. Toulmin, was very sweet and effective. The double quartet consisted of Mme. De Lussan, Miss E. Bailey, Mme. Anschutz, Miss Smith, Signor Lotti, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Weinlich and Mr. Cauldwell. The solos were, with few exceptions, executed in a pleasing manner, but the simultaneous efforts of the entire artists were excellent and deservedly excited much attention. Mr. Millard conducted. Altogether, the music at St. Stephen’s yesterday was fully up to the standard enjoyed by the choir of the church and reflected not a little credit on the attention and ability of the organist. The services did not terminate until after on o’clock, the organ and orchestra plying, in superb style, Mendelssohn’s grand ‘Wedding March.’”

“Music by Millard, written especially for the occasion.” Lists performers.

“…Millard’s Mass was clever, but disappointed those who expected such a composition as Carl Anschutz’s last Christmas Mass. Mme. de Lussan bore off most of the honors, the mass being arranged principally for soprano affect.”