From
The Australasian Sketcher (27 March 1880)
The New Organ at St. Patrick’s (R.C) Cathedral, and the Opening Ceremony
The musical services at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne, on Sunday, March 14, were altogether on an unprecedented scale of grandeur and completeness. A new organ had just been completed by Mr. Fincham, of Richmond - an instrument worthy of the splendid church in which it is erected, and adapted for further extension and development as the beautiful architectural structure in which it is enclosed approaches completion. The organ consists of two handsomely-decorated instruments, which occupy the walls on either side of the grand stained glass window at the western end of the church. The organist sits at his desk in the midst of his choir, and has the full view of the church before him. About 40 gentlemen, representing the highest skill amongst musical executants to be found in Melbourne, composed the orchestra, to which was entrusted the interpretation of the beautiful forms and charming fancies which distinguish the band parts of Mozart’s glorious Twelfth Mass. The organ was under the masterly hands of Mr. David Lee. The choir consisted of none but experienced and capable singers - the very pick of a large number of church choirs and musical societies. The principal singers were Signora Antonietta Link, Mrs. Cutter, Mr. Staker, Mr. Furlong, Mr. Rainford, and Mr. B.T. Moroney, and the whole of these forces had for their trusty guide Mr. Julius Siede as general conductor. The deeply impressive ceremonies of pontifical high mass were performed by the Very Rev. Dr. Lanigan, bishop of Goulburn, who officiated, and was assisted by the Rev. Dr. Byrne, also of Goulburne, the Rev. F.J. Ayleward being deacon, and the Rev. J. Heffernan sub-deacon.
The Rev. Dean Donaghy was master of ceremonies. The following clergyman were also present, namely:- The Very Rev. Dr. Fitzpatrick, V.G.; the Very Rev. Dr. M’Alroy, the Very Rev. Archpriest O’Meara, the Very Rev. Dr. Corbett, the Very Rev. Dean England, the Very Rev. Mr. Gibney, the Rev. F. J. O’Connell, and the Rev. O. Daly, S.J. The sermon was preached by the Very Rev. Dr. Crane, bishop of Sandhurst. The church was crowded to the doors by a vast audience. All things combined to make the scene one of great solemnity and grandeur. The reverential hush of the kneeling crowd as certain portions of the solemn mysteries were enacted; the august union of voices and instrument at other times in supplication or in songs of praise were intensely affecting to the seriously inclined and sympathetic listeners. The musical service commenced with the chorus, "And the Glory of the Lord," and concluded with the Hallelujah Chorus, both from "The Messiah," and both given with splendid effect. There were introduced after the Gloria of the Mass - the air Pro Peccatis, from the Stabat Mater of Rossini, very well sung by Mr. R. Furlong. The air and chorus, "Inflammatus," from the same work, were given with the electrical effect by Signora Link, assisted by chorus, orchestra, and organ. The pathetic power of Mrs. Cutter’s noble voice was heard in "Dona nobis," and in the trio by Owen, without accompaniment - the hymn "Ave Maria" - Messrs. Staker, Moroney, and Rainford, in a building so perfect in acoustic quality as St. Patrick’s Cathedral Church, never were heard to greater advantage than they were in this memorable performance, which was highly honourable to each one who took part in it.
From
The Australasian Sketcher (27 March 1880)