Trinity Church: Ascension Day Services
Event Information
Venue(s):
Trinity Church
Event Type:
Choral
Record Information
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
16 July 2022
Performance Date(s) and Time(s)
26 May 1870, 11:00 AMPerformers and/or Works Performed
Citations
“In Trinity parish the festival of Ascension Day is always observed at the mother church by special services of an elaborate nature. To-day the custom was observed with unusual heartiness. Service began at eleven o’clock with a processional hymn sung by the full choir, the members marching in procession down the south aisle and up the middle aisle…
“After the processional, and while the congregation were awaiting the usual opening sentences,
“A BAND OF MUSIC,
comprising an orchestra of twenty-eight wind and string instruments, began to play. The musicians were located in the organ gallery; and to their accompaniment the choir in the chancel sang Barnby’s anthem, ‘O Risen Lord,’ the voices scarcely being audible over the orchestral harmony.
“THE ANTE-COMMUNION
service was then said… The choir to the accompaniment of the chancel organ, sang Gounod’s responses, a series of brief, melodious strains, opening in unison, and in the last bar or two, falling into harmony. They were sung with precision and finish.
“THE NICENE CREED
followed, as set to music by Gounod and his popular mass. The English words were sung, and the full orchestra in the organ loft performed the accompaniment, which shows some bold treatment for the violins. It is very long, however, and for the fortissimo passages needed a greater vocal force, the orchestra coming in with overpowering strength. Although separated by the length of the church the singers and orchestra kept well together. As the service at Trinity to-day was chiefly of a musical character, and contains features of novelty as far as church music is concern, it challenges special criticism.
“This is probably the first time in this city that an orchestra has been heard in the service of a Protestant church, though the Roman Catholics have often availed themselves on festival days of orchestral resources. The effect is certainly very striking, though whether it is superior in majesty to the tones of a grand organ like that in Trinity Church is a matter of opinion.
“THE CONCLUDING SERVICES.
The other features of the programme were [lists program]. The singing throughout the was correct, and the practicability of using an orchestra in Trinity Church was thoroughly demonstrated.”