THE "TE DEUM LAUDAMUS."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4488, 1 April 1876, Page 3

THE "TE DEUM LAUDAMUS."

Sot to music for festiv.il occasions by A. R. Fitchett, Christchurcli, Canterbury. "We have to acknowledge the receipt of a musical composition with the above title, from the pen of the Kev. A. E. Fitchett, of Christchurch, possessing a very high degree of merit and originality. The "Tβ Deum" has frequently been the subject chosen by musical composers for the exercise of their talent, and we think that this latest production may be fairly considered as entitled to take rank in the highest class. It is evidently the work of an able and painstaking musician, and is arranged with a careful and intelligent regard to the words of the canticle. The harmonies are very fine, and the additional notes introduced into the organ score are indicative of the organist's duty to use the means of embellishment and illustration at his command. The melodies, some of which are exquisitely beautiful, are such as to please the popular ear without savouring in the least degree of vulgarity. We shall probably take an opportunity of reviewing more in detail this really superior composition. In the meantime we cordially commend it to the notice of those having charge of church choirs, or the conducting of sacred festivals.