Concert by the Choir of Holy Trinity Church

“The great organ in Trinity Church has recently been received a number of improvements, which, according to the tests so far made, have proved very advantageous. It is one of the most important organs in the United States.” Goes on to describe the instrument in detail.

“A concert was given last evening at the Church of the Holy Trinity on Madison avenue, by the choir under the [able?] direction of the organist, Mr. S. P. Warren.

The chief work on the programme was Barnby’s [illegible] cantata, in two scenes, entitled, ‘Rebecca,’ the words of which are adapted from the well-known Biblical incident. Madame M. Salvotti sang the part of Rebecca, Mr. Trenor that of Jacob, and Mr. Sohst that of Eliezer. The rest of the choir, which numbers about forty voices, sang the choruses; which, in this composition, present a curious mixture of styles. The first begins in the modern German part-song style, and passes over to the fugal style of the English cathedral composers, with rather old-fashioned contrapuntal figures, while the following chorus of maidens—‘Who shall be fleetest’—resembles neither. The accompaniments to the air, ‘The Soft Southern Breeze,’ are interesting and greatly relieve the vocal melody, but the instrumental march which enters is a very dull, spiritless production; wanting in life, emphasis and marked character.

Mrs. Davidson appeared in the second part, and sang an alto solo by Ferdinand Hiller with good effect.

Mr. Warren deserves great credit for the high state of efficiency to which his choir has been brought, as judged by the manner in which the concerted music was delivered. He presides over a most magnificent instrument, whose tones—so remarkable for their purity—were a constant source of enjoyment throughout the concert. Unfortunately, there was only one solo—a Theme and Variations by Thiele—in which Mr. Warren exhibited its powers and his great executive ability. But the organ will be formally opened on Wednesday afternoon, on which occasion its varied powers will be fully displayed.”