PREFACE. HIS little book is, in the main, a condensation of a larger work, "The Album of the Passion Play," which I published in the year 1873. I have endeavoured to give in a limited space all the information necessary for a proper appreciation of the great religious drama which is attracting so many visitors to the beautiful Highlands of Bavaria. With this thought in mind I have devoted an entire chapter to the life of the villagers of Ober-Ammergau, in order to show that these peasant-actors do not begin their dramatic labours in any hasty or pecuniary spirit. I have described the peculiar religious and dramatic training which the villagers enjoy during the years intervening between one series of decennial performances and another, and which enables them to portray in such an artistic, realistic, and devotional spirit the life and sufferings of the Lord. The remarkable influence which the aged priest-dramatist, the Geistlicher Rath Daisenberger (who still lives) has exerted upon the development of his people and the Passion drama cannot be overlooked by anyone desirous of studying the sacred drama and the peasant-players of Ober-Ammergau. In the description of the separate acts of the Passion Play I have given the address of the Choragus with which each act is opened, the songs of the Chorus in the original German with English translations, and the essential points of the dialogue spoken by the players. In obtaining the speeches of the Choragus and the text of the drama, I enjoyed peculiar advantages during a lengthy sojourn among the villagers of Ober-Ammergau during and after the performances of the year 1871; indeed, I may say that I am perhaps the only foreigner who has had the privilege of perusing the entire manuscript of the Passion Play, so jealously guarded by the villagers themselves. The complete text of the drama I published in the before-mentioned "Album." I have not considered it essential to give the various routes to Munich and Ober-Ammergau, since those persons who determine to make the journey will know where to find all the necessary information on this point. I may say, however, that from Munich the railroad carries the traveller in about two hours as far as Murnau, whence it is a distance of only sixteen or seventeen miles to the village of Ober-Ammergau. Those who do not wish to spend much money can take the more popular conveyances, for a few marks; and there are many to whom a walk of sixteen miles, leisurely taken, will be rather a pleasure than otherwise. Still, a carriage drive from Murnau to Ober-Ammergau and back is very delightful. I would advise the readers of this book, however, not to delay the journey to Ammergau until the Saturday before the performance, and not to leave the village until the next day, or even the day after. A few days' sojourn in the village will prove as pleasant as it is recuperative. The people of Ammergau give a simple welcome to their visitors; the houses and beds are thoroughly clean, and the mountains all about are ever inviting the visitor to excursions. The traveller who "does" the Passion Play in a hurry gets but little enjoyment out of his visit to Ammergau. To those who desire to become acquainted with the every-day life of the people, and to take away with them a delightful record of a residence in the village, I would recommend Mrs. Greatorex's book entitled "The Homes of Ober-Ammergau," with etchings of the dwelling-places of the principal actors of the Passion Play. The dates of the performances during the year are as follows:Sunday, May 16th. 23rd. Sunday, June 27th. Sunday, August 22nd. 29th. September 5th. July 4th. Wednesday, August 1st. 19th. Wednesday,,, 16th. Thursday, ,, 24th. In the event of the number of visitors for any of the above days exceeding the seating capacity of the theatre, a special representation will be given on the following day. J. P. J. LONDON, May 8th, 1880. "TY THE ROYAL BAVARIAN STAINED GLASS MANUFACTORY OF F. X. ZETTLER. MARSSTRASSE, 12, NEAR THE CENTRAL RAILWAY STATION. SHOW ROOMS OPEN DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY, From 9 till 12, and 2 till 6 o'clock. BERNESE OBERLAND. INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND. INTERNATIONAL RENDEZVOUS OF TOURISTS FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD. MOST CELEBRATED CLIMATERIC HEALTH RESORT. ALTITUDE 1,800 FEET ABOVE SEA. CEN 'ENTRAL STATION and Starting Point for all Excursions to the grand region of the ALPS and Glaciers of the world-famed BERNESE OBERLAND. Beautiful change of scenery according to each season. Splendid floral period in the Spring season-from April to June. In the Summer season -from July to August-the temperature is always moderate, owing to the refreshing breezes from both lakes; whilst in the lovely Autumn season-from September to October-the air is the purest, the temperature warm, and the vegetation in its full growth. Whey and Grape Cure. Magnificent alleys of chestnut trees, and shady walks. Park-maze in the Rugen Pine Woods. Numerous Hotels, from the luxurious Grand Hôtel to the nice wooden Châlet ; Private Apartments to all requirements. Special Protestant, English, Scotch Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic Churches. The Curhouse (Park Garden) is the centre of reunion of all visitors, and contains Dancing, Concert, and Reading Rooms, with a well-compiled Library. Choicest selections played daily by the superior Cur-orchestra. The Prices in the Hotels and Boarding-Houses are not higher, but rather lower, than in most other frequented places. The annual average of visitors is upwards of 100,000. |