Biographical Sketch

Sir John Leman Rogers Bart. (Apr. 18, 1780 – Dec. 10, 1847). He succeeded his father as baronet in 1797. In 1819 he joined the London Madrigal Society and already in 1820 was elected president of the society. He held this position until 1841 when he resigned due to ill health. He was interested in early music, especially that of Thomas Tallis and Jan. 21, 1836 delivered a lecture concerning that composer’s great 40 voice motet, “Spem in alium” followed by a performance of the same work. He also persuaded Westminster Abbey to maintain an annual service consisting entirely of the music of Tallis. Rogers’ compositional output consisted of glees, madrigals, anthems, canons and a morning, communion and evening service. Seven of the items by other composers in his printed music collection were inscribed to Rogers while 16 items were signed by the composer or editor, often with some sort of note paying respect to him, indicating that Rogers enjoyed the recognition of his peers in the London music climate.

 

Provenance

This collection represents the remains of Sir John Leman Rogers’ musical estate. It was donated to the Sibley Library in the Spring of 1996 by Wm. A Little, who purchased it through the English dealer Lisa Cox.

 

Scope and Content

The collection contains 25 of Rogers’ works in manuscript: 10 glees and madrigals, 12 psalms and anthems, a few pieces for the ordinary Anglican service and several drafts and revisions of a “Morning, Communion and Evening Service in F.” It also contains 31 printed music items arranged alphabetically by composer. The only printed music in the collection By Rogers is the “Morning Communion and Evening Service in F.” Many of the printed items are either signed or dedicated to Rogers. The collection also contains a volume of the Supplement to the Musical Library, which includes a report of the activities of Rogers’ London Madrigal Society on Jan. 21, 1836.

 

Restrictions and Use

No Restrictions.

 

Associations

The William L. Viner Collection in the vault contains early 19th century English vocal and keyboard music in manuscript. The library also owns the complete printed series, A Collection of Catches Canons and Glees for 3,4,5,6, and 9 Voices Selected by Thomas Warren. v. 1-32. London: Thomas Welker, 1763-94.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SERIES

Series 1: Music by Rogers in Manuscript

Subseries A: Secular Vocal Music
Includes glees and madrigals by Rogers for three to six voices arranged alphabetically by title.

Subseries B: Anthems and Psalms
All of this music uses biblical texts. Many of the shorter settings in this subseries are canons. The works are arranged alphabetically by title.

Subseries C: Service Music
The music known as “service music” in the Anglican liturgy includes settings of the canticles for Matins and Evensong as well as portions of the Ordinary of Communion Mass. After three short canonic “Gloria,” “Jubilate,” and “Te Deum” settings, the rest of this subseries consists of sketches, drafts, and revisions of the “Morning Communion and Evening Service in F.”

 

Series 2: Rogers’ Printed Music Collection

Arranged alphabetically by composer followed by four anthologies arranged by title.
Many items in this portion of the collection are inscribed to Rogers or signed by the composer. The only item in this series by Rogers is the “Morning Communion and Evening Service in F.”

 

Series 3: Records Concerning Rogers’ Activities as President of Madrigal Society

This series consists of a single item, a Feb. 1836 issue of the Supplement to the Musical Library which contains a description of Rogers’ activities with the London Madrigal Society.

 

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INVENTORY

Series 1: Music by Rogers in Manuscript

Subseries A: Secular Vocal Music

Box 1

folder 1	Archly smiling dimpled boy. Glee [CATTB].
folder 2	Flocks are sporting, Madrigal [CATTB] (5 copies).
folder 3	Flocks are sporting. Individual parts – CATTB (6 copies of each).
folder 4	Grace after Dinner. Canon 3 in 1. [ATB]. (11 copies).
folder 5	Hears not my Phillis. Possibly incomplete [SSATTB]
folder 6	Music thou queen of souls [ATTB].
folder 7	Oh! how sweet ’tis in the spring, Glee for 4 voices. [CATB].
folder 8	O say ye saints. [CATTB].
folder 9	O say ye Saints. Individual parts – CATTB. (2 copies each).
folder 10	See Flora Fair, Glee for 4 voices. Includes a canon 3 in 1. [CATB].
folder 11	Through Natures wide domain, Glee for 4 voices. (Hymn to Apollo) [CATB] (2 copies).
folder 12	When I listen to thy voice. [CATTB]. (3 copies).
folder 13	When I listen to thy Voice. Chorus Copy. (5 copies).

Subseries B: Anthems and Psalms

folder 14	Be Thou my judge O Lord. Anthem. Psalm 26: 1,2,3,6 and 7. [SATB, organ]. (5 copies).
folder 15	Be Thou my judge O Lord. Individual Parts – SATB. (5 copies each).
folder 16	Examine me O Lord. Canon. Psalm 26: 2. [ATB].
folder 17	Hear my Prayer. Canon 6 in 2 in the 4th and 8th. Psalm 55: 1,2,4. [AATTBB]. (10 copies).
folder 18	Hosanna to the son of David. Canon. Matthew 21: 9. [ATB]. (2 copies).
folder 19	Hosanna to the son of David. Canon. Alternate version [ATB].
folder 20	I will give thanks unto thee. Canon (Tenor free) Psalm 9:9. [SATB].
folder 21	I will give thanks. Anthem. Psalm 9:1-5. Begins the same as the “I will give thanks unto thee” canon, but continues with new material. [SATB, organ].
folder 22	I will praise the name of God. Canon, Psalm 69:31. [SATB].
folder 23	Not unto us O Lord. Psalm 115:1. Canon. [SATB]. (5 copies).
folder 24	O give thanks. Anthem, Psalm 107. Individual parts – CATB. (2 copies of each plus two extra canto parts).
folder 25	O Lord my God in thee have I put my trust. Canon in Unison (Minor and Major). Psalm 7:1 and Psalm 9:1. [STB].
folder 26	Save me O God. Anthem from Psalm 69. [SATB, organ].

Subseries C: Service Music

Box 2

folder 1	Gloria. Canon 3 in 1. [ATB]. (3 copies).
folder 2	Jubilate Deo. Psalm 100. Canon. [ATB].
folder 3	Te Deum. Canon. [ATB]. (3 copies).
folder 4	Morning Communion and Evening Service in F. [CATB, organ].
folder 5	Morning Communion and Evening Service in F. Draft copy with numerous insertions.
folder 6	Morning Communion and Evening Service in F. Canto parts (4 copies).
folder 7	Alto parts (2 copies).
folder 8	Tenor parts (2 copies).
folder 9	Bass parts (2 copies).
folder 10	Morning Service draft.
folder 11	Communion Service draft.
folder 12	Evening Service draft.
folder 13	Nunc dimittis to the end of the Evening Service. Draft.
folder 14	Nunc dimittis to the end of the Evening Service. Canto parts.
folder 15	Nunc dimittis to the end of the Evening Service. Individual parts – CATB.
folder 16	Fragments and sketches relating to the service.
folder 17	More fragments and sketches relating to service.
folder 18	More fragments and sketches relating to service.
folder 19	Chant fragments and sketches.

Series 2: Rogers’ Printed Music Collection

Box 3

folder 1	Angel, Joseph. An Evening Service, Consisting of the Cantate domino and Deus Misereatur. London: J. Alfred Novello. p.n. 796.
folder 2	Bishop, Henry R. Blow Gentle Gales, Glee for Five Voices, sung by Miss Carew, Master Barnett, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Comer, and Mr. Tinney, in the Opera of the Slave, at the Theater Royal, Covent Garden. London: Goulding and D’Almaine. p.n. The Slave.
folder 3	Cooke, T. Shall I Waste My Youth in Sighing, A Madrigal, for Five Voices. Dedicated (By Permission) to Sir John Rogers, Bart. London: Cramer, Addison and Beale. p.n. 2123.
folder 4	Faignient, Noe. These that be certain signs, Madrigal for four Voices, being No. 1, of Musica Trans-Alpina, Scored from the Original Part Books by C.W. Budd. London: Calkin and Budd. p.n. Musica Trans-Alpina. No. 1.
folder 5	Dearle, Edward. The Gresham Prize Composition. No. 7. Full Anthem, Turn thee Again Thou God of Hosts. Signed in lower right corner of title page. London: J.A. Novello. No p.n.
folder 6	Farr, Edmund Lacon. A Collection of Single and Double Chants Adapted to the Psalms Appointed by the Church For Morning and Evening Service. Signed in the lower right corner of title page. London: T. Holloway. No p.n.
folder 7	Hart, Charles. Blessed are the Dead, Motett. Signed in upper right corner. London: J.A. Novello. No p.n.
folder 8	Hart, Charles. Gresham Prize Composition, the Jubilate which gained the Prize Medal. Dec. 1831, and Te Deum. Signed in lower right corner. London: J.A. Novello. p.n. C. Hart’s Te Deum.
folder 9	Hawes, W. Requiescat in Pace, Glee, for Five Voices, Respectfully inscribed to Sir John Rogers Bart. Signed in lower right corner. London: W. Hawes. p.n. 465.
folder 10	Hopkins, John L. A Collection of Five Glees and a Madrigal for Four and Five Voices. London: E. Ransford. p.n. R 150-55.
folder 11	Howe, James. Two Glees and Two Madrigals for Four and Five Voices. London: Addison and Hodson. No p.n.
folder 12	Macque, Giovanni di. As fair Diana frowned on him who strived, Madrigal for four Voices, being No. 2 of Musica Trans-Alpina, Scored from the Original Part Books by C.W. Budd. London: Calkin and Budd. p.n. Musica Trans-Alpina. No.2.
folder 13	McMurdie, Joseph, A Collection of Glees and Canons. London: Cramer, Addison and Beale. p.n. 967, 2584-89, 2773, 90, 96, 103, 39.
folder 14	McMurdie, Joseph. Hallelujah Amen, Canon 4 in 2, Inscribed to Sir John Rogers Bart. London: Cramer Addison and Beale. No p.n. (2 copies).
folder 15	Morley, Thomas. April is in my Mistress’ Face, Madrigal Arranged from the Original Parts By Thomas Oliphant. London: Jas. Howell. No p.n.
folder 16	Novello, Vincent. To Thee, O Lord! Motett for Four Voices, Inscribed to the Members of the Madrigal Society. Signed in upper right corner. p.n. 581.
folder 17	Pearsall, R.L. A Very Ancient German Christmas Carol (In dulci jubilo) the Melody Harmonized and the Words Translated for the Use of the Madrigal and Choral Societies. Signed in the upper right corner. London: D’Almaine and Co. p.n. Christmas Carol.(Pearsall).
folder 18	Pizzoni, Giovanni. Smile not, Fair Amarillis, (Duo begl’ occhi lucente. Antwerp: Waelrunt, 1585.) the English Words written expressly for the Concerts of the Vocal Society by Thos. Oliphant. London: Jas. Howell. No p.n.
	Folder also contains tenor, alto, and bass parts to this same madrigal as well as two others by Giovanni Ferreti and Luca Marenzio from Oliphant’s Edition of Madrigals in Parts-2nd. Series. London: James Howell.
folder 19	Pye, Kellow J. Serene and Pale, Glee for Five Voices, Inscribed to Sir John L. Rogers Bart. Signed in lower right corner. London: W. Hawes. p.n. 739.
folder 20	Rogers, Sir John Leman Bart. the Morning Communion and Evening Service. Ed. Thos. Oliphant. Signed by Thomas Oliphant in lower right corner. London: Cramer Addison and Beale. p.n. R. (2 copies).
folder 21	Turle, James. Almighty and Most Merciful God, Collect for the 20th Sunday after Trinity: Inscribed to Sir John Rogers Bart. Signed in lower right corner. London: Joseph Alfred Novello. p.n. TURLE’s Collect.
folder 22	Turle, James. Hear my Crying O God, Anthem. Signed in lower right corner. London: Joseph Alfred Novello. p.n. TURLE’s Hear my crying O God.
folder 23	Walmisly, Thomas Attwood. The Dublin Prize Anthem, Remember O Lord, (Lamentations, Chap. 5.) Signed in upper right corner. London: J. Alfred Novello. p.n. 621.
folder 24	Walmisly, Thomas Attwood. Slow, Slow, Fresh Fount, Madrigal for 5 voices, The Words from Ben Jonson’s Play Cynthia’s Revals. Signed in upper right corner. London: J.A. Novello. p.n. 754.
folder 25	Walmisly, Thomas Attwood. Sweete Flowers! Ye were too faire, Madrigal for 5 Voices, Inscribed to Sir John Rogers Bart. Signed in upper right corner. London: J.A. Novello. p.n. 763.
folder 26	Walmisly, Thomas Forbes. Six Glees, (Being a Fourth Collection.) Signed in the lower right corner. London: Cramer, Addison and Beale. No p.n.
folder 27	Webbe, Samuel. Webbe’s Six Posthumous Glees. London: J. Alfred Novello. p.n. 761.

Box 4

folder 1	A Selection of Sacred Music Consisting of Psalms, Chants, Responses, and Anthems, the Whole compiled, Arranged, And by permission Dedicated to His Grace The Duke of Northumberland, K. G. by Henry John Haycraft. Signed on lower right corner of title page. No p.n.
folder 2	Sacred Minstrelsy: A comprehensive Collection of the Finest and Most Admired Sacred Music of the Greatest Masters of all Ages and Nations; Arranged as Solos, Duets, Trios &c., and Choruses, and with Accompaniments for the Piano-Forte, &c. No. 1. London: John William Parker. No p.n.
folder 3	Sacred Minstrelsy: No. 7. Signed by Dr. Carnaby, composer of the third selection in the anthology. London: John William Parker. No p.n.
folder 4	Sacred Minstrelsy: No. 7. Signed by Dr. Carnaby, composer of the third selection in the anthology. London: John William Parker. No p.n. (copy 2).

Series 3: Records Concerning Rogers’ Activities as Pres. of Madrigal Society

folder 5

Supplement to the Musical Library. No. 23. Feb., 1836. London: William Clowes. Pages 43-44 record the activities of the Madrigal Society on the evening of Jan. 21, 1836.

 

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Baptie, David. Sketches of the English Glee Composers. (London: William Reeves, 1896), 94.

_________. A Handbook of Musical Biography. (London: W. Morley, 1883), 198.

Brown, James D. and Stratton, Stephen S. British Musical Biography: a Dictionary of Musical Artists, Authors and Composers Born in Britain and its Colonies. (London: William Reeves, 1897), 353.

Husk, William H. “Rogers, Sir John Leman Bart.” in Grove’s Dictionary of Music and Musicians. [1st Edition] (London: Macmillan. 1878) [The same article appears in the editions 1-5 of the Grove’s Dictionary].

Thompson, Oscar. The International Cyclopedia of Music and Musicians. (New York: Dodd Mead and Co., 1939), 1566.