e deep strain of patriarchal piety so touching
in the Biblical recital finds grand expression.

Joseph, the son of Jacob, who was sold by his brothers, has by his
wisdom saved Egypt from threatening famine; he resides as governor in
Memphis under the name of Cleophas. But though much honored by the
King and all the people, he never ceases to long for his old father,
whose favorite child he was.

{158}

Driven from Palestine by this same famine, Jacob's sons are sent to
Egypt to ask for food and hospitality. They are tormented by pangs of
conscience, which Simeon is hardly able to conceal, when they are
received by the governor, who at once recognized them. Seeing their
sorrow and repentance, he pities them, and promises to receive them all
hospitably. He does not reveal himself but goes to meet his youngest
brother Benjamin and his blind father, whose mourning for his lost son
has not been diminished by the long years. Joseph induces his father
and brother to partake in the honors, which the people render to him.
The whole family is received in the governor's palace, where Simeon
consumed by grief and conscience-stricken at last confesses to his
father the selling of Joseph. Full of horror Jacob curses and disowns
his ten sons. But Joseph intervenes. Making himself known, he grants
full pardon and entreats his father to do the same.

The old man yields, and together they praise God's providence and
omnipotence.

IRRLICHT.

(WILL-O'-THE WISP.)

Opera in one act by KARL GRAMANN.

Text by KURT GEUCKE.

With "Irrlicht" the composer takes a step towards verisme; both,
subject and music are terribly realistic, though without the last shade
of triviality. The music is often of brilliant dramatic effect, {159}
and the fantastic text, well matching the music, is as rich in
thrilling facts as any modern Italian opera. Indeed this seems to be
by far the best opera, which the highly gifted composer has written.

The scene is laid on a pilot's station on the coast of Normandy. A
pilot-boat has been built and is to be baptized with the usual
ceremonies. Tournaud, an old ship-captain expects his daughter
Gervaise back from a stay in Paris. He worships her, and when she
arrives, he is almost beside himself with joy and pride. But Gervaise
is pale and sad, and hardly listens to gay Marion, who tells her of the
coming festival.--Meanwhile all the fisher-people from far and near
assemble to participate