Processional March

James Hotchkiss Rogers (7 Feb. 1857-28 Nov. 1940), composer, music critic, organist, and teacher, was born in Fair Haven, Conn., and began piano lessons at 12 and organ lessons later, and studied in Europe from 1875-80. In 1883, Rogers moved to Cleveland, becoming organist at Euclid Ave. Temple playing until his retirement in 1932. He was also organist for Shaker Hts. Neighborhood Church and First Unitarian Church. Rogers was music critic for the "Plain Dealer" from 1915-32. It was said Rogers was never harsh; even when Isadora Duncan danced in an outrageous red costume in 1922, Rogers simply wrote, "all things considered, the orchestra did very well."

He composed over 550 works: over 50 compositions for the organ, 5 cantatas, over 130 songs, and instruction books for both piano and organ. His composing style was late Romantic and tended toward the sentimental, but is very fine in its best moments.

"In Memoriam," a 6-song cycle centering on Walt Whitman's poems, was written for his son, Henry, who was killed in WW I. In 1946, the Cleveland Orchestra dedicated a program to Rogers. He taught at the Cleveland School of Music. Upon his retirement, he was honored by 500 musicians and friends at a farewell dinner. He moved to Pasadena, Calif., where he died.

"Processional March" was published by G. Schirmer in 1910. It is dedicated "To Frederick Maxson."

It's an interesting mix of the English and American styles of the period, with the framing sections being quite "British," while the middle section and "Warner Bros. ending" being more decidedly "American!"

I played this pretty much with the indications that Rogers gives, but I wish I "rolled" it a bit quicker. Still, even as it is, I was "pushing ahead" a few of his slowing indications.

Hereford really isn't the "authentic" sound for this, but it is grand enough. These mixtures are too bright, and Salisbury's reeds too French.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of James Rogers and his signature.