Prelude in D-flat Major

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.

"Prelude in D-flat" is the 1st of four organ pieces published by G. Schirmer in 1905. It is a grand essay, expansive and expressive. The whole thing is a "grand arch," so, registrations must be well-managed.

I had planned to do this on the Armley Schulze, and while it was nice, it just didn't "provide the poetry" like the Salisbury Willis.

This would make a great prelude for a solemn or important service, and would make an excellent, unknown recital piece, if you're willing to give it a try!

I'm still experimenting with volume levels for my uploads, so, I welcome your opinions or impressions.

MORE Rogers to come - probably! (YES!)

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