The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-08-25

~ can not remember when 1 did not
long to have some part. was her earnest
answer TO a question. LAS little chill
dren all our plays are from the Bible
and we all grow older with the
hope of being chosen The alternate
days before the play, one and all,
go about their duties; to many this
seemed incongruous, but to us was most
natural, as not placing them in any way
above or separate from those around
Each hour brought new crowds of people,
whole families Of peasants came on foot,
titled men and women walked Through
the street, all grades between commented
and looked with eager interest. High
priest and and pharasee, guardian angels
with long hair flowing to their shoulders
passed by US. ''That surely is Judas, ="
we cried as we caught passing glimpse
of a sharp Jewish face. After learning he
was the John of twenty years ago we
found it difficult in looking on the pic
tured youthful, beatihc countenance, to
reconcile 1t with the black, curling locks
and wholly changed expression of the
Judas. We crossed the bridge to the
small wooden building whose windows
were filled with many carvings which
bore the name of Peter Rendl. The first
glance within showed Immediately
Johannes. The long, dark, slightly
waving hair, the clear cut features, with
the indescribabIy mild yet strong express
sion, are shown In his photographs exact
Iy as they are. The unusually low voice,
~. ~~~44o1 1,.x,4 ,1asv, oro F<,,. yrc aFSIs, ~
memories. Throughout the time there
was a nameless quiet in the very air, one
thought predominated among the thous-
ands gathered, which showed in look and
speech. While we stood watching the
ceaseless movement up and down the
street, we heard far off strains of music.
Nearer it came, and passed, the orches-
ira for the coming day. All things con-
nected with the play must have their
birth in Oberammergau, no person tax
ing the slightest part but natives of the
village. Dedler, the writer of the Pas
sion music was born here more more
than century ago, ana still Is honored
as their first composer. There is much
melodious beauty in this his masterpiece,
which often rises to unexpected power (;
solos, duets and trios, with Quartets and
choruses express the meaning OF the
text in simple, Impressive manner. There
Is no reaching for effect. no horid orna-
mentatlon. Necessarily almost wholly
minor in character, 1t never obtrude s
upon the attention, but blends as har-
monious whole. ''This must be his
house, we decided, and entering, passed
by-the several rooms 4 opening into the
long entrance, till we reached the work
shop OF Anton Lang. Contrary to the
almost universal custom of wood carving,
he models in clay. A table covered with
vases. cups and small souvenirs stood in
one corner, OF no special beauty or value,
interesting only as his work. AS we
stood waiting, we heard step, and
turning, saw, without reservation, the
most exceptional countenanoe we ever
looked upon. His manner and bearing
were simplicity itself, but the facet No
photograph gives the least conception OF
the beauty, sweetness and character of
his expression. We acknowledge our SEN
stations were peculiar when he shook
hands with us, but in movements, voice
and words there was not the least sug-
gestion that he was conscious of being in
any way unusual
Later, In talking OF him to many In the
village, one and all in speaking OF him,