ECCLESIASTICAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 207, 6 September 1897, Page 4

ECCLESIASTICAL.

Tttf Rev R. Baron, F.L.S. and F.R.G.S., who has' laboured for 25 years in the mission field at Madagascar preached yesterday morning at Beresford-street Con^rceational Church. In the afternoon he also delivered an address to young people, which was well attended Mr Baron furnished interesting details showing how the French occupation ot Madagascar had affected mission work. In the evening Mr Baron preached at Mount Eden Cone-relational Church. To - mght he delivers an address in Beresford-street Church en mission work in Madagascar.

At the eleven o'olock service in St. Patrick's Cathedral yesterday a very beautiful settino- of the. Mass m B flat composed by Professor Carl Schmitt (to the order of the Queen of Italy) was performed by a full choir and orchestra, under the able conductorship of Mr Hiscocks. Professor and Madame Schmitt were present. The work is in the devotional style, but at the same time displays that brilliancy and melody so characteristic of Professor Schmi'tt'scompositions. Thekyrieopensina smooth harmonious andante in perfect accord with the prayerful sentiment of the words "Kyrie Ele'ison." This is immediately followed by a grand arrangement of the Gloria in Excelsis Deo. In the "Credo" at the words "Et Incarnatus est " a very fine soprano solo is introduced, the choir'taking up the chorus at the words " Sub Pontio Pilato," immediately followed by an allegro movement on the words "Et Resurrexit" in which the timpani (kettle drums) are introduced with taking effect. One of the many gems of the work is an adagio setting of the Sanctus in the grand devotional style. The Benedictus is a soli quartette containing an elegant soprano solo The " Agnus Dei" is a beautiful number, and the concluding "Dona Nobis Pacem" is full of melodious phrases, imitations and sequences, and fittingly closes an admirable work, which only requires to be known to be loved. His Lordship Bishop Lenihau preached on the Gospel of the day, and at the close of his sermon spoke in eloquent terms of the music of the Mass, and paid a, hi"b tribute of praise to the composer. At the conclusion of the Mass Professor Schmitt addressed the choir, and returned his sincere thanks for the efficient manner in which the work had been performed, and stated that it was evidently the result of patient study and practice. He also presented to the choir the full score and orchestral and vocal parts, and _rranted to it the sole right of performing the Mass in New Zealand. Misses Lorrigan and Hargreave and Messrs Casier and Lonergan did full justice to the solos allotted to them. The first-named young lady also sang at the offertory Gounod's " Aye Maria" with organ, harp and violin accompaniment. Mr Hartwell, the Cathedral organist, presided at the organ.