On May 20, 2024, organist Jonathan Wessler of First Lutheran Church in Boston joined with eight vocalists and the organ of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Opus 801 by Hook and Hastings, 1875) to present these classic Catholic hymns:
1: Ecce sacerdos magnus (Anton Stadler)
2: I Kneel Before My Savior (Msgr. Bernard McNulty)
3: Remember, Holy Mary (Slovak tune)
4: Jesus, Ever Loving Saviour (Richard Terry)
5: Jesus, Teach Me How To Pray (Sister M.B., Sister of Mercy, Charleville, Ireland)
6: Praise To The Lord (Richard Keys Biggs)
7: O Mary, We Hail Thee (Cardinal O’Connell)
8: Upon The Altar Comes The Christ (Thomas Tallis)
9: Spirit Seeking Light And Beauty (DOMHNACH TRIONOIDE)
10: Blest Creator Of The Light (Richard Keys Biggs)
11: The Moon Is In The Heavens Above (John Richardson)
12: Come To The Manger
13: Mary, Dearest Of All Mothers (Eleanor C. Donnelly)
14: Hail To Thee, O Mary (Sister Mary Florentine, PHJC)
15: Our Lady, Star Of Fatima (Rev. Carlo Rossini)
16: Christus Vincit
The musicians:
Mara Riley, soprano
Janet Ross, soprano
Ashley Mulcahy, alto
Julia Cavallaro, alto
Eric Perry, tenor
Zac Costantino, tenor
Nathan Halbur, bass
Daniel Fridley, bass
Jonathan Wessler, organ
David Breton, sound engineer
The Organ of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross:
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and is the largest Roman Catholic church in New England. The cathedral was designed by Patrick Keely, a noted ecclesiastical architect, in the Gothic Revival style. Construction commenced in 1867 and was completed in 1875. It seats 2000.
The largest extant organ built by the firm Hook and Hastings is their opus 801 built in 1875 for the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. This instrument comprises 101 ranks over three manuals and pedal. Among the more notable features of this instrument are likely a result of having to fill such a large space; namely, the use of imported reeds from Zimmerman of Paris, bold mixtures, cornets, and a Tuba Mirabilis made in the Hook factory. The organ console was replaced in 1929 with a used theatre organ console when the instrument was updated. In 2003, the Andover Organ Company created and installed its opus R-394, a replica of the original three-manual console, updated wiring, and made other needed repairs. This instrument exists in a mechanically altered state having been electrified; however, it largely remains tonally original.
.