Rossini's
Solenelle was given on the solemn occasion of the death of Pius IX. It
was rendered for the first time in California October 31st, by sixteen
solo voices, thirty-five in the chorus and the regular choir, full
orchestra and organ. The following was the programme for the requiem
mass Solenelle sung by the soloists and assisted by the chorus and
orchestra and organ; Introit, Dies Irae, Lacrimosa, Benedictus, Agnus
Dei, Lux Aeterna were all from Cherubini's compositions; offertory,
Dominus from Verdi, Libera from Palestrina:
Mrs. Brandel, _soprano_
Signora Bianchi, _mezzo-soprano_
Mrs. M.R. Blake, _mezzo-contralto_
Signor Bianchi, _tenor_
Signor Meize, _tenor_
Mr. Stockmyer, _bass_
Mr. Yarndley, _bass_
J.H. Dohrmann, _organist_
Orchestra 30 pieces.
[Illustration: J.H. DOHRMANN, ORGANIST AND DIRECTOR
ORGAN OF ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH, SAN FRANCISCO
Made in Germany in 1874]
With a crowded church and the altars draped in black, with the rest of
the gifted singers on that occasion, will candelabras that were all
burning, with many priests upon the altar, and the other accessories,
the scene was notable. Time never can erase the picture as it comes
back in memory. The wonderful music, in which I took part, with the
rest of the gifted singers on that occasion, will never be forgotten.
Later, as years rolled on and the old singers retired, we had other
artists who were the singers in this choir:
Mrs.
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