The New York herald., 1878-11-25
ST. CECILIA'S CHURCH.
MUSICAL SERVICE IN HONOR OF THE EHAs

MUSICAL SERVICE IN HONOR OF THE FEAST
or ST. CECILIA.
The Feast Of 81. Cecilia most appropri-
ately celebrated at st. Ceci,ias church. Har-
lem. yesterday morning. Seldom, il ever
has New York church enjoyed finer music
than that heard in Father Flattcry's little
church at 1o5th street aud Second Not only
did the efficient choir of tho church do Its BEST but
many of the choicest members Of Colonel Mapiesons
Italian opera company volunteered their services in
honor of musics patron saint There was charge
for admission but Colonel Mapleson held the basket
at the door and those who entered gave according to
thcir means or inclination and handsome sum was
thus collected The programme. which was selected
with great taste and care was interpreted by Mile.
Lido. soprano; Mlne Pisani. conralto; Signor Fra
polh. tenor; Signor Del Puente BARITONE and Sgnor
Pyatt. basso. Signor Bsaccia accompanied the
solosts the organ and piano with equal Skill and
to his excellent conductorship belongs great
deal of the success of the musical arrange
and and the ..Gloria' Mile lido sang Goni,ois
Ave Maria This may be looked upon AZ the
debut of this prinia donna IN America Tor she viii
not appear in opera until Friday evening" she pos
clear and sympathetic soprano voice. and
Gounods beautiful song, with its Bach accoinpani
ment lost nothing by her interpretation Signor Del
pente sang Rossini's "Pro Peccatis and filled every
nook and of the little church with his beauti
full voice, and proved that he is much at home in
est Homo" from Rossnis ..stabat Mater" was
sung by Nile Lido and Nine. Pisani with
feeling and .eiicacy. Nine. Pisanis rich con-
tralto was perhaps heard to the best advaii-
tage in the 'fac ut Portem." which she sang
with great taste. Signor Frapolli selected that in
spring solo, "Cujus Amman" for his contribution
to the programme, and his tine tenor voice never
sounded clearer sweeter than it did in the bursts
Of melody that go to make up that famous
Signor Pyatt sang the .Eja Mater artistically and
ably assisted by the choir OF the church and the
members of the opera company in the chorus. This
well called musical treat was brought TO
a close with the 'Sancta Mater" sung by
Mile. Lido. Mime. Psan, Signor Frapolli and
Signor Del Puente, Mr.. Charles Wells, the
regular orsanist OF St Cccilias accompanied hochor
which its ncttlc and sang its best. The
service conducted by Father Peyten, of st. Ag-
ncs' Church. Father Flattery did preach re.,l-
lar but confined his remarks to the life and
character OF 81. Cecilia. In generating this saint,
said he, intensity our love of God ST. Cecilia
stands conspicuous in the noble choir OF the
typical saints In studying her life are carried
back the dark days OF the Caesars. More than st.
Peter himself this noble lady sacriced whom she left
all and devoted herself to God. Peter brt
poor fsherman ana left but hls nes ana boats; she
noble lady Of conspicuous distinction; hers was
common origin, hers no ordinary NAME but she
reiinquished all this social prestige for her religion
What wonder that she should be popular among
Chris tans when she is everywhere recognized the
patroness of the loyeliest of arts which lives
beyond the bounds OF time and can never die! Like
the immortal souls or men there is nothing destruc-
tive about music 1t Is music which illustrates the
relation between art and religion How much the art
of music adds to the profound mystery OF religion!
How in the hour of exalted triumph it chants its
paans The Festival OF st. Cecilia is festival of
music and m,tc becomes more beautiful still whcrr
it is eInblenizcd through such life that of this
such saint for it's patron. AT the close of his
Father f1attery expressed his own and the sim
thanks of the congregation to the manager and
his artists. who. in their generosity had done 80
much for the OF religion and he expressed the
wish that when Colonel Mapleson ends his days that
st. Cecilia may come down to bear him up to heaven