Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Tour To The Bavarian Highlands, En Route For "Passion Play" At Ober-Ammergau.
, pjay / Chorus and Orchestra . The standard of education here has lwavs been m £ ' and raost of t , ie P P le are als 0 musicians . They f lnuently practice acting in a small theatre , especially in the live months receding the play . It cannot be doubted that their participation in it E ffects their lives for good ; a visitor speaking to a girl ( a waitress of the ? where he was staying ) of the character she was to represent , she answered with simplicity : " Ich muss hinein leben ! " ( I must live up to it ) . Simple minded and unaffected the dwellers in this remote village are in
peaceful obscurity for nine years , waking only to life and activity in the ioth , the vear of the " Passion Play , " as yet they seem to be actuated by the one feeling v , 0 w they may best carry out the spirit of the vow and woit ily and conscientiousl y render the sacred play . They are not to be temp ed by the greed of gain . I was told that munificent offers had been mads by enternriunt ? theatrical agents to the directors of the Passion Play if they would
cive representations in Paris or London . An American agent even went so far as to offer a blank chtque , to be filled up for any figure that should be named , no matter how high it might be . All these offers were met with an indignant refusal to entertain such propositions for a moment . " I know not how such things may be , I tell the tale as told to roe . " The writer would not vouch for the truth of these statements , " Se 6 non vero e ben trovato . "
Sunday , the great day , was in the early morning , ushered in by cannon firing , bands playing , and the people all flocking in their gala national costume to early mass at 6 o ' clock in the principal church ot the village . They seemed to earnestly implore that God ' s blessing might rest upon the sacred performance which later on they were to attend . It was high mass with music of a beautiful character .
After breakfast our party waited for the signal to go to the theatre . A cannon was fired at 7 . 30 a . m ., another signal gun at 7 . 45 . We then proceeded to the theatre . This is a large iron structure , capable of holding upwards of 4000 people . All the internal arrangements were complete , each ticket holder being conducted tojhis numbered seat without the least trouble . The stage is wide . 1 he proscenium has a stage in the centre , to
which are attached curtains , which are [ drawn aside when tableaux or speaking scenes are represented . This is flanked on each side by a street of Jerusalem . From these streets run colonnades to the house of the High Priest and the house of Pilate . A majestic crowned figure comes forward , and from either side emerge other pairs of similar figures , till eight kings and queens ( crowned ) are standing to his right and his left , on the long boards These the chorus and the the leader of
of the proscenium . are choragus ( the chorus ) , who , according to the use of the ancient Greek drama , are to explain types . " Welcome , " says the choragus , " band of Brothers whom God ' s love has here assembled , who wish to share the sorrows of their Saviour , and to follow Him step by step on the way of His sufferings . " We may here mention , that the play begins punctually at S a . m ., the first part ending at 11 . 45 . After an interval allowed for luncheon , the play is resumed at
1 . 15 p . m ., and terminates about 5 . 30 p . m . In order to explain the meaning of the typical tableaux resource is had to an ingenious arrangement—interludes between each scene are filled up with singing in parts and in chorus by a choir of Schutzgeister , or Guardian Angels . The choragus , or leader of the choir , first recites some verses clearly and impressively , then the choir burst out into song accompanied by an orchestra concealed from view , in
front of the stage . The tinkle of a little bell is heard , and the singers draw back so as to reveal the tableau . The curtains are drawn aside , and the tableau is displayed , during which they sing again . The curtains are drawn together , they resume their old places , and the singing proceeds . Then , when they come to the end , half file ( IT to the right , half to the left , and the play proper begins . When the curtains are drawn
together , they again take their places and resume their song . Ihe music is very simple , but impressive . The chorus occupies the stage for fully half the time devoted to the piece . Their dress is very effective . From the choragus in the centre , in bright scarlet , all wear coronets with the cross in the centre . Their brilliant robes , which artistically harmonise in
colour , are held in their place by gold-decorated cords and tassels round the breast and round the waist . Twice , however , these brilliant robes are exchanged for black — immediately before , and immediately after , the Crucifixion . The bright robes , are resumed at the close , when the play terminates with a burst of Hallelujahs and of jubilant triumph over the Ascension of Our Lord .
The play itself consists of 18 acts , and the explanatory tableaux are 22 in number . After the first hymn is intoned the introductory tableau is shown— " The Expulsion from Paradise . " It is followed by another , " The Adoration of the Cross which is to redeem Mankind . " Now to the music of a great choral march the first scene in the Passion Play , the entry into Jerusalem ( Act 1 ) begins . The tableaux and the scenes from Christ ' s life succeed as follows :
\ cl J . —Tableau ; Conspiracy of the sons of Jacob against Joseph . Scene : The High Priest ' s Council . let j . —Tableau : Departure of the young Tobias . Tableau : The Bride mourning for her Bridegroom ( beautiful soprano lamentation song ) . Scene : Christ in the house of Magdalene at Bethany , and His parting from His mother .
Tour To The Bavarian Highlands, En Route For "Passion Play" At Ober-Ammergau.
Act 4 . —Tableau : The rejection of Vashti and the espousal of Esther , prefiguring the rejection of the Jews and the adoption of the Gentiles into Christ ' s Church . Scene : Christ with the Apostles on the way to Jerusalem , and the treachery of Judas . Act 5 . —Large Tableau : Manna in the Wilderness . Eighty figures . Tableau of the grapes from Canaan .
Scene : The last . Supper . Act 6 . —Tableau : Joseph sold by his Brethren . Scene : Christ betrayed by Judas to the High Priest's Council . Act 7 . —Tableau : Adam labouring in the Garden of Eden . Tableau : Joab treacherously killing Amasa . Scene : The Agony in the Garden and capture of Christ by Judas and the soldiers of the High Priest . It is now mid-day , and two hours interval . At 1 . 15 p . m . the play recommences .
Act S . —Tableau ¦ . The prophet Micaiah receives a blow on the cheek from Zedekiah . Scene : Christ before Annas . Act 0 . —Tableau : The innocent Naboth condemned to death . Tableau : The patience of Job .
Scene : Christ before Caiaphas . Act iu . —Tableau : The despair of Cain . Scene : The despair of Judas and his suicide . Act 11 . —Tableau : Daniel accused before Darius . Scene : Christ before Pilate .
Act 12 . —Tableau : Samson mocked by the Philistines . Scene : Christ before Herod . Act 1 j . —' Tableau : Joseph's blood-stained coat brought to Jacob . Tableau : The Sacrifice of Isaac .
Scene : The Scourging and Crowning with Thorns . Act 14 . —Tableau : Joseph made Ruler over Egypt . Scene : Christ condemned to death by Pilate . Act 15 . —Tableau : Isaac carrying the wood for his sacrifice . Tableau : Moses and the Brazen Serpent . Scene : Via Dolorosa—The Way of the Cross .
Act 16 . —Solemn Hymn by the Chorus in Mourning . Scene : Crucifixion and Burial of Christ . Act 77 . —' Tableau : The crossing of the Red Sea . ' Scene : The Resurrection . Act iS . —The triumph of Christ and the Ascension . The great Hallelujah Hymn . The End .
In bidding adieu to us , the Chorus leader says , " Strengthened and full of joy return to your homes , O friends ! filled with tenderest love for Him who loved you even unto death ! " Such is a brief account of the wonderful " Passion Play . " Wonderful it may , indeed , be called from its impressive realism . Devoid of scenic effect and the adjuncts of spectacular beautv it
is so absorbing in its interest that the length of time occupied in the representation is hardly thought of—the silence during the acting becomes almost painful . When the curtains are drawn together for the last time there is no haste to leave—no words are interchanged— " thoughts are too deep for words , " each one seems to feel that he has been assisting at the World ' s deepest tragedy .
Surely we shall all of us read the Gospel narrative with a more deepened and vivid interest than before . May it affect our future lives and characters . The writer gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness in this , and more especially in the first part , for many interesting details to " Ober-Ammergau Passion Play of 1900 , and the Bavarian Highlands , " edited by Dr . H . S . Lunn , whose care and attention was fully appreciated by the members of our party . F . W . DRIVER , M . A ., PROF . 62 , Lancaster-road , Notting Hill , W .
BRO . ALUHRMAN ANIO SHERIFF SIR WILLIAM TRELOAR entertained Mr . Melton Prior , who has just returned from South Africa , at lunch , last week , at the Cafe Royal . A work on singing , written by Josephine Richter , mother of the famed conductor , has lately been translated into English by Mr . Albert Visetti . It is said to be a most interesting volume for musicians . " B . P ., " as the gallant defender of Mafeking is called , is said to have been a capital actor when a boy at Charterhouse , where he played " Bob Nettles , " in " Parents and Guardians . "
Ad00902
Telephone—1389 Holborn . TelegrapMc Address- " Cigarotype . " S.COHEN&C°"waho^aotCii;^e,Bchcants-W HAVANA CIGARS FULLY MATURED OF 1894 CROP . i o .. B ° = > ' ° Box of Box of Uoxof Box of >>• S . Murias ... 50 ... 12 / 0 Romeo & Juliet 00 ... 19 / - La Vencedora ... 25 ... 21 / - Bock & Co .. 25 ... 12 / C Casimiro Alvarez 50 . 18 / - , .. Vol- „ „ \ . „ , « , ,. Rosa de Santiago CO ... 15 / - ,, ,, ... ,,... 27 / 0 „ „ 25 ... 13 / - „ ... .. ... 10 / 0 ( Victor Hugo ) J Zh 18 ' 20 / - Flor de A'MuriaS 50 ... 12 / 0 „ „ 25 ... 20 / - ¦ ¦ > , ... 17 / 0 La Vencedora ... GO ... 18 / - La Comercial 10 / - „ „ ... 22 / 0 „ „ 10 ... io /_ » 22 / 0 „ „ ... 25 ... 11 / 0 „ „ 18 / - ., , .. ,,... 27 / 0 A . Allones ... 25 ... 9 / 0 >• „ ... 25 .., 25 / - „ „ ... . ... 13 / - Bock & Co . ... „ ... 12 / - Flor ol Todo ... „ ... li )/ - Larranagaa ... 100 ... 30 / - „ ,.. „ ... 30 / - „ „ .., „ ,.. 10 / 3 „ „ ... „ ... 17 / - Casimiro Alvarez 25 ... 7 / - Puro Habana ... 00 . „ 20 ' - WF*BUDGET1900OwingtoourlargeDutyPaidStock,weareNOTadvancingprices. Will be sent Carriage Free in the United Kingdom on receipt of remittance . Cliequet and Postal Orders Orosiicd "London City and Midland Bank Newqate Street Branch . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Tour To The Bavarian Highlands, En Route For "Passion Play" At Ober-Ammergau.
, pjay / Chorus and Orchestra . The standard of education here has lwavs been m £ ' and raost of t , ie P P le are als 0 musicians . They f lnuently practice acting in a small theatre , especially in the live months receding the play . It cannot be doubted that their participation in it E ffects their lives for good ; a visitor speaking to a girl ( a waitress of the ? where he was staying ) of the character she was to represent , she answered with simplicity : " Ich muss hinein leben ! " ( I must live up to it ) . Simple minded and unaffected the dwellers in this remote village are in
peaceful obscurity for nine years , waking only to life and activity in the ioth , the vear of the " Passion Play , " as yet they seem to be actuated by the one feeling v , 0 w they may best carry out the spirit of the vow and woit ily and conscientiousl y render the sacred play . They are not to be temp ed by the greed of gain . I was told that munificent offers had been mads by enternriunt ? theatrical agents to the directors of the Passion Play if they would
cive representations in Paris or London . An American agent even went so far as to offer a blank chtque , to be filled up for any figure that should be named , no matter how high it might be . All these offers were met with an indignant refusal to entertain such propositions for a moment . " I know not how such things may be , I tell the tale as told to roe . " The writer would not vouch for the truth of these statements , " Se 6 non vero e ben trovato . "
Sunday , the great day , was in the early morning , ushered in by cannon firing , bands playing , and the people all flocking in their gala national costume to early mass at 6 o ' clock in the principal church ot the village . They seemed to earnestly implore that God ' s blessing might rest upon the sacred performance which later on they were to attend . It was high mass with music of a beautiful character .
After breakfast our party waited for the signal to go to the theatre . A cannon was fired at 7 . 30 a . m ., another signal gun at 7 . 45 . We then proceeded to the theatre . This is a large iron structure , capable of holding upwards of 4000 people . All the internal arrangements were complete , each ticket holder being conducted tojhis numbered seat without the least trouble . The stage is wide . 1 he proscenium has a stage in the centre , to
which are attached curtains , which are [ drawn aside when tableaux or speaking scenes are represented . This is flanked on each side by a street of Jerusalem . From these streets run colonnades to the house of the High Priest and the house of Pilate . A majestic crowned figure comes forward , and from either side emerge other pairs of similar figures , till eight kings and queens ( crowned ) are standing to his right and his left , on the long boards These the chorus and the the leader of
of the proscenium . are choragus ( the chorus ) , who , according to the use of the ancient Greek drama , are to explain types . " Welcome , " says the choragus , " band of Brothers whom God ' s love has here assembled , who wish to share the sorrows of their Saviour , and to follow Him step by step on the way of His sufferings . " We may here mention , that the play begins punctually at S a . m ., the first part ending at 11 . 45 . After an interval allowed for luncheon , the play is resumed at
1 . 15 p . m ., and terminates about 5 . 30 p . m . In order to explain the meaning of the typical tableaux resource is had to an ingenious arrangement—interludes between each scene are filled up with singing in parts and in chorus by a choir of Schutzgeister , or Guardian Angels . The choragus , or leader of the choir , first recites some verses clearly and impressively , then the choir burst out into song accompanied by an orchestra concealed from view , in
front of the stage . The tinkle of a little bell is heard , and the singers draw back so as to reveal the tableau . The curtains are drawn aside , and the tableau is displayed , during which they sing again . The curtains are drawn together , they resume their old places , and the singing proceeds . Then , when they come to the end , half file ( IT to the right , half to the left , and the play proper begins . When the curtains are drawn
together , they again take their places and resume their song . Ihe music is very simple , but impressive . The chorus occupies the stage for fully half the time devoted to the piece . Their dress is very effective . From the choragus in the centre , in bright scarlet , all wear coronets with the cross in the centre . Their brilliant robes , which artistically harmonise in
colour , are held in their place by gold-decorated cords and tassels round the breast and round the waist . Twice , however , these brilliant robes are exchanged for black — immediately before , and immediately after , the Crucifixion . The bright robes , are resumed at the close , when the play terminates with a burst of Hallelujahs and of jubilant triumph over the Ascension of Our Lord .
The play itself consists of 18 acts , and the explanatory tableaux are 22 in number . After the first hymn is intoned the introductory tableau is shown— " The Expulsion from Paradise . " It is followed by another , " The Adoration of the Cross which is to redeem Mankind . " Now to the music of a great choral march the first scene in the Passion Play , the entry into Jerusalem ( Act 1 ) begins . The tableaux and the scenes from Christ ' s life succeed as follows :
\ cl J . —Tableau ; Conspiracy of the sons of Jacob against Joseph . Scene : The High Priest ' s Council . let j . —Tableau : Departure of the young Tobias . Tableau : The Bride mourning for her Bridegroom ( beautiful soprano lamentation song ) . Scene : Christ in the house of Magdalene at Bethany , and His parting from His mother .
Tour To The Bavarian Highlands, En Route For "Passion Play" At Ober-Ammergau.
Act 4 . —Tableau : The rejection of Vashti and the espousal of Esther , prefiguring the rejection of the Jews and the adoption of the Gentiles into Christ ' s Church . Scene : Christ with the Apostles on the way to Jerusalem , and the treachery of Judas . Act 5 . —Large Tableau : Manna in the Wilderness . Eighty figures . Tableau of the grapes from Canaan .
Scene : The last . Supper . Act 6 . —Tableau : Joseph sold by his Brethren . Scene : Christ betrayed by Judas to the High Priest's Council . Act 7 . —Tableau : Adam labouring in the Garden of Eden . Tableau : Joab treacherously killing Amasa . Scene : The Agony in the Garden and capture of Christ by Judas and the soldiers of the High Priest . It is now mid-day , and two hours interval . At 1 . 15 p . m . the play recommences .
Act S . —Tableau ¦ . The prophet Micaiah receives a blow on the cheek from Zedekiah . Scene : Christ before Annas . Act 0 . —Tableau : The innocent Naboth condemned to death . Tableau : The patience of Job .
Scene : Christ before Caiaphas . Act iu . —Tableau : The despair of Cain . Scene : The despair of Judas and his suicide . Act 11 . —Tableau : Daniel accused before Darius . Scene : Christ before Pilate .
Act 12 . —Tableau : Samson mocked by the Philistines . Scene : Christ before Herod . Act 1 j . —' Tableau : Joseph's blood-stained coat brought to Jacob . Tableau : The Sacrifice of Isaac .
Scene : The Scourging and Crowning with Thorns . Act 14 . —Tableau : Joseph made Ruler over Egypt . Scene : Christ condemned to death by Pilate . Act 15 . —Tableau : Isaac carrying the wood for his sacrifice . Tableau : Moses and the Brazen Serpent . Scene : Via Dolorosa—The Way of the Cross .
Act 16 . —Solemn Hymn by the Chorus in Mourning . Scene : Crucifixion and Burial of Christ . Act 77 . —' Tableau : The crossing of the Red Sea . ' Scene : The Resurrection . Act iS . —The triumph of Christ and the Ascension . The great Hallelujah Hymn . The End .
In bidding adieu to us , the Chorus leader says , " Strengthened and full of joy return to your homes , O friends ! filled with tenderest love for Him who loved you even unto death ! " Such is a brief account of the wonderful " Passion Play . " Wonderful it may , indeed , be called from its impressive realism . Devoid of scenic effect and the adjuncts of spectacular beautv it
is so absorbing in its interest that the length of time occupied in the representation is hardly thought of—the silence during the acting becomes almost painful . When the curtains are drawn together for the last time there is no haste to leave—no words are interchanged— " thoughts are too deep for words , " each one seems to feel that he has been assisting at the World ' s deepest tragedy .
Surely we shall all of us read the Gospel narrative with a more deepened and vivid interest than before . May it affect our future lives and characters . The writer gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness in this , and more especially in the first part , for many interesting details to " Ober-Ammergau Passion Play of 1900 , and the Bavarian Highlands , " edited by Dr . H . S . Lunn , whose care and attention was fully appreciated by the members of our party . F . W . DRIVER , M . A ., PROF . 62 , Lancaster-road , Notting Hill , W .
BRO . ALUHRMAN ANIO SHERIFF SIR WILLIAM TRELOAR entertained Mr . Melton Prior , who has just returned from South Africa , at lunch , last week , at the Cafe Royal . A work on singing , written by Josephine Richter , mother of the famed conductor , has lately been translated into English by Mr . Albert Visetti . It is said to be a most interesting volume for musicians . " B . P ., " as the gallant defender of Mafeking is called , is said to have been a capital actor when a boy at Charterhouse , where he played " Bob Nettles , " in " Parents and Guardians . "
Ad00902
Telephone—1389 Holborn . TelegrapMc Address- " Cigarotype . " S.COHEN&C°"waho^aotCii;^e,Bchcants-W HAVANA CIGARS FULLY MATURED OF 1894 CROP . i o .. B ° = > ' ° Box of Box of Uoxof Box of >>• S . Murias ... 50 ... 12 / 0 Romeo & Juliet 00 ... 19 / - La Vencedora ... 25 ... 21 / - Bock & Co .. 25 ... 12 / C Casimiro Alvarez 50 . 18 / - , .. Vol- „ „ \ . „ , « , ,. Rosa de Santiago CO ... 15 / - ,, ,, ... ,,... 27 / 0 „ „ 25 ... 13 / - „ ... .. ... 10 / 0 ( Victor Hugo ) J Zh 18 ' 20 / - Flor de A'MuriaS 50 ... 12 / 0 „ „ 25 ... 20 / - ¦ ¦ > , ... 17 / 0 La Vencedora ... GO ... 18 / - La Comercial 10 / - „ „ ... 22 / 0 „ „ 10 ... io /_ » 22 / 0 „ „ ... 25 ... 11 / 0 „ „ 18 / - ., , .. ,,... 27 / 0 A . Allones ... 25 ... 9 / 0 >• „ ... 25 .., 25 / - „ „ ... . ... 13 / - Bock & Co . ... „ ... 12 / - Flor ol Todo ... „ ... li )/ - Larranagaa ... 100 ... 30 / - „ ,.. „ ... 30 / - „ „ .., „ ,.. 10 / 3 „ „ ... „ ... 17 / - Casimiro Alvarez 25 ... 7 / - Puro Habana ... 00 . „ 20 ' - WF*BUDGET1900OwingtoourlargeDutyPaidStock,weareNOTadvancingprices. Will be sent Carriage Free in the United Kingdom on receipt of remittance . Cliequet and Postal Orders Orosiicd "London City and Midland Bank Newqate Street Branch . "