Rev Dr Domenico CarmusciTitle: Rev Dr First Name: Domenico Middle Names: Preferred Name: Surname: Carmusci Order: Date of Birth: Place of Birth:
Country of Birth: Italy Date of Ordination: Place of Ordination:
Country of Ordination:
Ordination Diocese: Seminary: Appointments Table
Items per page: 0 of 0 Biographical NotesFr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, p 23: Carmusci, Christian N., Italian --- Denis M. Long, Pioneer and Early Priests, Archdiocese of Brisbane, Deceased or retired by 1929, 2021, pp 95-96: Bishop Quinn brought to Brisbane sixteen priests and several gifted laymen from Italy. Some arrived in February 1871 and others in September of that year. Dr Carmusci arrived at a later date and made a deep impression for his musical ability. Domenico Carmusci, former Sistine Professor of Music, won high praise in Sydney and Brisbane for performances of his own sacred music. One wonders if the non-performance of his Mass written for the Opening of St Stephen's Cathedral had anything to do with his departure to Sydney.(1) Rev Dr Chris Hanlon has recorded of Fr Carmusci: Reports about his work and concerts appeared in Queensland and New South Wales newspapers, both religious and secular: A New Mass, which has been composed by the Rev D Carmusci, was sung at St Stephen's Church on September 22. The congregation was very large, the church being even more inconveniently crowded than is usual the case at divine service. The occasion attracted a considerable number of members of other denominations. The choir was an excellent one, comprising a good proportion of our professional and amateur musical talent, and the composer had little reason to complain regarding the rendering of his composition. Father Carmusci, while not aspiring to the genius of a Mozart, has given to the world many more productions, chiefly of a religious character, which have been largely appreciated, and his latest effort will add vastly to his reputation.(3) The Sydney Freeman's Journal carried this report:(4) The same newspaper gave a full programme for the concert.(6) Two days later the Telegraph carried a full report of the concert.(7) It was reported in September 1874 that Dr Carmusci had returned to Italy due to ill health. This is interesting for we have a newspaper report that he was a passenger leaving Brisbane for Sydney on 7 November 1874.(8) Two months later the Queenslander carried this report:(9) Prior to Dr Carmusci's departure from Brisbane, a few of his admirers presented to him, as a mark of their appreciation of his merits as a gentleman and his talents as a musician, a very handsome gold watch, chain, and locket. The presentation took place in the apartment of the President of the Legislative Council, who had consented to be the spokesman on the occasion. Dr Carmusci carried with him many good wishes.(10) In fact Dr Carmusci had moved to Sydney where he hoped that his music ministry would be more appreciated. Signor Domenico Carmusci, Professor of singing from the Sistine Chapel, Rome, begs to announce that he is prepared to give LESSONS. For terms apply to W H Paling, Pianoforte and Music warehouse 335 George Street.(11) As Dr Chris Hanlon informs us: It was reported that he died in Italy in the early 1900s.(13) Footnotes Reproduced by permission of Fr Denis Long. |