River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1901-08-29

asked me my name, and who my father
was, and growing bold, related not
only all about myself, but also the
story of my friend in blue.
IAN organ no one can play upon!"
exclaimed the great composer. 'Wen,
that's singular"
But l am sure you can"
"Why?"
because / am certain that the man
who made the organ is a great musi-
clan although he cannot play upon il
himself, and thoroughly understood
what he was about when he attempted
to mend it. He plays the violin like
an angel"
as well as I do?" asked Graun.
nestitated and hung my head.
did not dare say Yes" and yet 1
could not say NO"
Speak up my boy; always tell the
truth
"IIe plays better than you, I think,
sir, but then he always plays out in
the woods, and music sounds better
there than in room"
"True-so it does"
'My masters" said l at last after
some hesitation, will any of you in
your charity try the organ. The vii
lage is not far distant. You will there
by help this poor man."
81 will 60 myself" answered Bach,
next Sunday. But say nothing about
it to anyone, only to your friend in
order to insure his presence in the
church"
gladly promised to carry out the
illustrious composers request.
On leaving the st. Cecilia hall that
evening-it was Friday-to my sur
prise almost the first person / met was
the Man in Blue. Hidden in the court
yard of the hall, he had been listen
ing to the music, and was in a state
of nervous excitement and enthusiasm
which quite alarmed me. At first /
hesitated to tell of Bach's intention,
but at last did so. He received the
news in a manner / little expected.
He made no demonstration, but fol-
lowed me in silence until we were in
square, in the center of which grew
two or three trees. Here he paused,
and, falling on his knees, prayed earn
estly The moon shone down upon
his uplifted face, and it seemed al
most beautiful, so great was the ex-
preston it bore of earnest devotion
and gratitude. When he had finished
his prayer, he embraced me in silence
and we parted.
Sunday arrived, and at an early hour
l started for the village church. AS 1
crossed the little field in front of it, I
saw advancing from the opposite side
several of the professors, and among
them Bach. By-and-by, as it got noised
about that some of the celebrities
were in the church, it filled up to
excess. Presently Bach assembled the
organ loft. How my heart beat Mass
began. At the "Kyrie" the hitherto
mute instrument for the first time
waited forth such heavenly sweetness
that the congregation was thrilled as
if by the music of angels. As the
mass advanced the more marvellous be-
came the harmony. The "Agnus' was
so plaintive that l saw tears in the
eyes of Gluck, who stood by me, and
the "Sanctus" sounded so triumphant-
| ~ that it required but little imagin-
alton to believe the Cherubim and
Seraphim were indeed singing their
| jubilant song of praise, ''Holy, Holy is
| the Lord God of Sabaothl"
But where was the Man in Blue?
Standing by the altar, with his face
turned towards his organ. His ex-
| preston was one of supreme happi-
ness and peace. His spectacles had
| fallen from his beautiful but nearly
| sightless eyes, and tears of JOY were
running down his sunken cheeks. HIS
homely features seemed TRANSPORTED.
When divine service was over, the
congregation passed round into the
| porch to see the great composers.
Long live Bach!" Hail Gluck."
they cried, as they recognized these
popular men. But Bach held aloof.
Lead me-" he cried, ''to that man
of genius who has so wonderfully inn
proved the king of instruments"
Master" / cried, she is in the
church" And so we re-entered the
sacred edifice together, followed by
Graun. l led them to the Man in Blue
What change had come over him!
He had collapsed on bench, and the
pallor of death was on his brow. When
he perceived us, he endeavored to rise.
"Ah. excuse me, my masters. re-
ceive you very poorly, but l am not
well; the JOY has killed me- I am
dying of sheer happiness"
They raised him between them while
l ran for the priest, shutting the
church door as / went out, to prevent
intrusion.
Master, am dying play to me, -
he begged. Bach, seeing that mortal
aid was vain, left us and went up the
organ loft. Solemnly he played as
he had never done before. The priest
came, and Graun and 1 knelt down
whilst the Man in Blue received the
last Sacrament. When this pious act
was accomplished, we came nearer to
him. He took my hand, and Graun
rested his head upon his own breast.