The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1901-10-03

composers ana 10 tnelr music. he
ssked me my name, and who my father
was, and, growing bold, 1 related not
only all about myself, but also the
story of my friend in blue.
IAN organ no one can play upon!"
exclaimed the grea> composer. "Well,
that's singular"
But am sure you ,an."
"Why?'
because am certain that the man
who made the organ is a great musi-
clan although he cannot play upon it
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.
hestitated and hung my head. I
did not dare say "Yes," and yet I
could not say "No."
"Speak up my boy; always tell the
truth"
'He plays better than you, 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 I at last after
some hesitation, twill any of you in
your charity try the organ. The vii
Iage is not far distant. You will there
by help this poor man."
II will go myself" answered Bach,
"nsxt Sunday. But say nothing about
it to anyone, only to your friend in
order to insure his presence in the
church -
l 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 I 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 state
of nervous excitement and enthusiasm
which quite alarmed me. At first l
hesitated to tell Of Bach's intention,
but at last did SO. He received the
news in a manner I little expected.
He made no demonstration, but fol-
lowed me in silence until we were in
lonely part of the tcwn-a little
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 1t 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
I started for the village church. As I
crossed the little field in front Of 1t, 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, II filled up to
excess. Presently Bach ascended 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
II by the music of angels. As the
mass advanced the more marvellous be-
came the harmony. The ".Agnus" was
80 plaintive that saw tears in the
eyes Of Gluck, who stood by me, ana
the "Sanctus" sounded so triumphant
ly that 1t required but little imagin.
alton to believe the Cherubim and
Seraphim were indeed singing their
jubilant song of praise, "Holy. Holy 10
the Lord God Of Sabaoth!"
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 transfigured
When divine service was over. tn
congregation passed round into the
porch to see the great composers
"Long live Bach!" Hail. Gluck!"
they cried, as they recognized thes.
popular men. But Bach held aloof.
"Lead me-" hs cried, Ito that man
Of genius who has so wonderfully i'm
proved the king Of instruments"
MASTER" cried, ne h In the
church." And so we re-entered the
sacred edifice together, followed by
Graun. I led them to the Man In Blue.
i What q change had come over him!
He had collapsed on bosch and tbs
pallor of death was on his brow. When
he perceived US, he endesvored TO rise.
"Ah! excuse me, my masters. I re.
seivs you very poorly. but ! am not
. WE'LL. the Joy has killed ne. I an
dying OF sheer happiness" ,ar
/. They raised him between them while
I ran for the priest, shutting tho
church door as I went out, 10 prevent
intrusion.
master, I am dying-play 70 10"
he begged. Bach. seeing that mortal
aid was vain, left us and went up the
organ loft. Solemnly he played al
he had never done before. The priest
came, and Graun and knelt down
whilst the Man in Blue received the
1oc< Socromauf Whou this y,i0ua art