ORGAN RECITAL AND SACRED CONCERT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8964, 31 January 1888, Page 5

ORGAN RECITAL AND SACRED CONCERT.

An organ recital and sacred concert, held in connection with the Roman Catholic jubilee festivities, took place at St. Patrick's Cathedral yesterday evening. There was a large attendance, Bishop Luck and a number of the clergy were also present. The concert was under the direction of Herr Tutschka, and he is to be complimented upon the success which crowned his efforts, though he was ably seconded by the Cathedral choir and an excellent orchestra. The choruses were admirably sung and of good volume, the choir giving ample evidence of their excellent training ; ana the "Gloria in Excelsis," from Glover's Mass, was an especially fine performance. In this number the soprano solo was well sung by Miss Mcllhone, whilst Mr. Munro rendered the bass passages, but the effect of his pleasing voice was marred by hoarseness from which ho was suffering. The "Agnus Dei" by Glover was beautifully sung by the Very Rev. Dr. Egan, the "Dona Nobis" chorus, which, from its bright, crisp character, offers a striking contrast to the plaintive music of the " Agnus Dei," being rendered by tho choir. The " Benedictus" chorus for sopranos and altos proved an excellent number, and though some of the contralto singers were absent, Mrs. Pryor's rich, deep alto voice admirably balanced those of the sopranos. This lady also sung Mendelssohn s solo " Rest In The Lord," with much skill and taste. Bellini's "O Salutaris," rendered by Dr. Egan and Misses Knight, was sung with much sweetness. The composition is replete with devotional feeling, to which the fullest interpretation was given. Miss Knight sang with her accustomed ability, " Too Late," a 'cello obligate by Heir Tutschka being played judiciously and with great feeling. The " Agnus Dei," from Dr. Richmond's mass was contributed by Miss C. Knight, tho choir singing the " Dona Nobis," whilst in the " Gloria in Excelsis," Miss C. Lorrigan, and the Rev. Dr. Egan and Mr. F. Lorrigan rendered the solo passages. Buehler's Pastorale," a full choruiS, sung by tho choir, was a fine performance, given with great vigour. Madamo Tutschka, who sang " The Reaper and the Flowers," was suffering from hoarseness, and therefore did not sing os well as would otherwise have probably been the case. Mr. Bernard played ! Batiste's " Offertoire in A," Guilmant's

; "Andante in G," " March Religiouso" I (Gounod), as organ solos. The orchestra acquitted themselves admirably, and their | rendering of the selections "Consolation" (Mercadanto), and "Evening Prayer" i (Reinecker) was marked with much spirit. The concert terminated with the performance of Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" (organ and orchestra) played with good effect.