The times., 1899-04-02

tory Thus in one of the most conserya-
tive Methodist churches in the city Dud-
ley Bucks TIE Deum." in r fiat was rem
dered while the offertory i'll Presbyterian
churches was celebrated with portion Of
one of Giorza's grand masses. 1t is in
measure becoming an established custom
for the anti-ritualistic churches 10 draw
on the composers for their music on special
occasions and in the opinion OF many has
caused an Improvement in the tone of the
services. Ii is indisputable fact that
such masters as GiOrza, Gounod. Verdi,
Dudley Buck. and a host OF others recog
nized the religious sentiment in music and
worked according to their different methods
for the improvement of the entire class of
compositions. The old Gregorian masses
that were seldom heard beyond the portals
of the Catholic Church, or in an occasional
concert, are becoming well known TO The
music loving cburchgoer. Music has been
an important factor in religious worship
for a long time and the various churches
that have sprung from foreign sources have
been the only ones that have heretofore
paid particular attention TO this very i'm
portant detail or late years it has become
the custom for all classes of religious wor-
shippers to consider the musical portion of
worship. something more than the mere
method of relieving the monotony of
long service. Thus 1t has come about that
the churches one and all are wing with
each other today in the production OF
music of the most classic character.
The selections made for the day S pro-
gramme displayed excellent taste of the
various choirmasters They were allowed
more latitude in which to make their Sc
lections than ever before. The simple de-
mand of tie churchgoers was for good
music, and this demand has been satisfac-
torliy supplied. Every master of note has
been called on to assist in the celebration
of the day. Marches and choruses from
Wagner's operas are used in several of the
churches and GounOd supplied some entire
programmes. The Catholic and Episcopal
churches made perhaps the best showing,
they have more to draw from. and their
order of services admits the possibility Of
music of a more ritualistic nature In all
of the churches of these denominations
elaborate preparations were made for the
day. and no doubt the result will be fully
up to the expectations of the most san
guine. The choirs will be materially as
sisted in the rendition of the heavier mass
es by the introduction Of string music. In
some of the churches entire orchestras
have been engaged. At St. Patricks. ST.
Matthew'S. st. Aloysius, and st. Dominc's.
of the Catholic denomination. and al ST.
James, St. Marks. ST. Johns Epiphany,
Trinity, and the Church of the Ascension
the services will be especially notable for
their musical feature. In all of these
churches the choirmasters have been indie
fatigable in their efforts 10 provide for
the great occasion. They have received en-
couragement from their ministers and have
had all of the noted composers to draw
on for their selections.
Feature of Holy Week.
One feature of the Holy Week that has
not received the attention it merits was
the musical programme offered in all of
the Catholic churches on Good Friday St
Aloysius was especially prepared for this
event, and the manner in which IL was eel
ebrated left no doubt in the minds of the
persons fortunate enough to be present
that the work of the director of the choir
and his assistants was TO purpose
p The rendition OF Mercadante's Seven
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