The Tomahawk. [volume] (White Earth, Becker County, Minn.) 1903-192?, 1925-04-16
THE
ORGANISE OF
SULZBACH
BY FRED r. WEBER
% by Short Story Pub. Coz

years he had been organlst Of the
village church. And to be the organist
Of the village church Of Sulzbach Is a
distinction second only to that Of be-
Ing burgomaster or pastor. But both
organ and organist had become SO
old that even the ultra-conservative
townspeople saw that change was
necessary. To buy new organ was
not difficult matter, but to discharge
the old organlst, now too feeble to fill
the position, was another thing.
A popular subscription was taken,
and the tOwnspeople saw visions of
an organ that would be the pride of
the lower Rhine-country. Builders were
called from Brussels, and in the course
Of time the organ was built, brought
to Sulzbach and set up.
On the day that the work was COM
pleted, the question of the old Or
ganist's dismissal was settled, for 1t
was learned that Josef Rudolstadt had
died during the night.
Now another question arose. Who
was to play the new organ? Such a
position of honor could not be given
to the first man who applied for 1t.
True, Sulzbach had a dozen aspiring
organists, yet only two seemed eligible.
One was Pierre Esquerre and the other
was Karl Rudolstadt, son Of the old
organist.
Pierre was a Frenchman, and had
lived In the town for years. His house
was in the lower part Of the town,
near the Rhine. This, together with
the fact that Pierre was a musician Of
exceptional ability. was all that the
people Of the town knew about him,
for he was a man who kept much to
himself. Gossip had never hit upon
any explanation of his past Just why
50 talented a man should be content
to live In village and teach music
was a matter that had never been
explained.
Karl Rudolstadt was a man of con-
siderable popularity. He had spent all
his life In the town, was we'll known
musical talent from his father. and
had spent years In training. under the
direction Of the old organ master.
Such a man was fitted for the posi-
ton. his friends insisted. But there
were others who were determined that
the Frenchman's great skill should not
be ignored. The question agitatet
Sulzbach for days. 1t was discussed
with much vehemence by the towns
men. and whenever a group of people
were seen on the street, 1t was rea-
sonably certain that the topic of con-
versatlon was the Esquerre- Rudolstadt
controversy.
Finally a plan was evolved and
agreed upon. 1t was decided to have
trial day, and the rival musicians
were each to play. The townspeople
were to be the judges. and the selec-
ton Of the organist was to be by
popular vote.
For days the rival musicians prac-
ticed on the big organ.
Finally the trial day arrived. 1t
and every man who could brought his
family to the church to hear the candi-
dates play.
The pastor Of the church announced
the conditions. Each organist was to
have the privilege Of playing what
ever he wished. If either of the two
refused to compete the choice was
to 60 to his rival. Every person above
the age of eighteen was entitled to one
vote, and their choice would decide
the question of such moment.
The name Of Pierre Esquerre was
announced. There was much sup
pressed excitement when the French
man took his place at the organ and
arranged his stops.
The people of Sulzbach had never
heard such playing. Pierre had chosen
only one number. He started with
the soft toned stops Of the organ,
Isgradually added to his registration,
building up his theme as he went, un-
til he reached the climax in a thunder
Of diapasons that brought the entire
audience to their feet.
He left the organ bench flushed, and
with look Of conscious triumph. The
people were speechless for time.
Then they looked at one another in
amazement, for when had any of them
heard such playing! They discussed
1t In suppressed whispers. 1t was
wonderful! But others insisted that
Karl Rudolstadt could Guido the
Frenchman.
The name Of the young German was
announced, and the people were ali
attention. But the rival candidate did
not appear.
Five, ten, fifteen minutes passed
then half an hour. The people grew
restless. Then it was suggested that
Pierre be elected, for by the terms OF
the trial, Rudolstadt's absence made
him ineligible. The Germans friends
protested, because they knew that Karl
was no coward, and that he was not
! absent voluntarily. Messengers were
| sent out, but the man could not be
foun,A
A vote was taken and the French.
man elected.