St. Patrick’s Cathedral Sunday Service

“Of the musical arrangements at the Cathedral it is almost unnecessary to speak, since their general excellence is so well known to those who can appreciate the proper rendition of sacred selections. There was a full and efficient choir in attendance yesterday, under the skillful and able directorship of Professor Gustavus Schmitz, who presided at the grand organ. The mass performed was brought from Rome by Archbishop McCloskey in manuscript, and is the composition of Pietro Terziani. It was played in E flat, and owing to the splendid interpretation it received, both at the hands of the conductor and soloist, proved a most acceptable and appropriate production. The leading quartet consisted of Madame Chomé, soprano; Mrs. Unger, contralto; Mr. Groschel, tenor; and Mr. Urchs, baritone. The ‘Kyrie’ opened with a fine chorus in fugue style, after which comes the ‘Gloria’ commencing with a chorus and followed by a difficult though extremely pleasing duet for soprano and contralto, and which was sung with much sweetness and artistic finish by Madame Chomé and Mrs. Unger respectively. The ‘Qui tollis pecata mundi’ was arranged as a solo for the baritone with chorus accompaniment. But the ‘Cum Sancto Spiritu’ was decidedly the most classical portion of the ‘Gloria’ and the most effectively produced. The ‘Credo’ was likewise worthy of commendation, both for its originality and the vigorous tone that pervaded it, as well as for the manner in which it was sung. Although there was great variety throughout, not unmingled with a few operatic flourishes, the composition possessed elements of grandeur and solemnity.

 

At the offertory Mme. Chomé sang Professor Schmitz’s beautiful ‘Ave Maria’ with much feeling and expression. There was good opportunity for the display of the other voices, both in the ‘Sanctus’ and ‘Agnus Dei,’ especially for that of Mrs. Unger, whose rich contralto was heard to advantage in the more subdued and tender passages. In fine, the music was throughout both effective and inspiring, and could not have failed to create a deep and solemn impression on the vast assemblage in attendance. Verdi’s overture to ‘Nebuchadnezzar’ was played in masterly style by the organist as the congregation slowly left the church.”