Church of St. Francis Xavier Easter Service

“Of the entire mass we think the Kyrie is the most remarkable and effective number. The bells produce a singular impression in the accompaniment. We have spoken of this artistic and ingeniously constructed work frequently, but it was never given with such spirit, unanimity of expression and perfection of ensemble before as on the great festival yesterday. It is dramatic in every sense of the word, giving a vivid musical photograph of each of the sublime passages of the sacred text. The music, also, strongly leans toward the Italian school, becoming in some instances operatic in its flowing melody and operatic treatment. The solos are also very long and elaborate and excessively trying on the voice. The soprano part is as fatiguing as a prima donna’s rôle in an opera, and Miss Teresa Werneke succeeded in it to an extent such as few church singers could hope for. The duets for soprano and alto, which are profusely scattered through the work were rendered by both sisters in a faultless manner. Two or three quartets in the Credo were Mendelssohnian in character and served as an admirable foil to the florid brilliancy of the other parts. The mass is indeed a work of a great and conscientious musician and should be heard in the concert hall, rendered by some of our vocal societies. The organ accompaniment of the composer was one of the chief features of the work.”