I've been listening in recent weeks to a Cypres disc of two string
quartets composed by Jean Rogister (1879-1964).  Rogister was a Belgian
composer strongly influenced by by his teacher Jean-Theodore Radoux who
was a follower of Cesar Franck.  Rogister's music displays this affinity
to Franck and some leanings toward the impressionist school.  Rogister
composed eight string quartets, numerous orchestral works including three
symphonies, one opera, and even a Requiem.

Reviews that I have read from various sources all seem to be in
agreement that Rogister's music is highly melodic, excellently crafted,
but ultimately very conservative and derivative.  I agree with this view,
although I see little reason to dwell on the conservative premise.  Judging
from the music on this Cypres issue, Rogister had a gift for melodic
invention that puts him well ahead of many other composers of the period
with greater name recognition.  An interesting tid-bit is that Rogister,
a violist, was the principal violist for 10 months with Stokowski's
Philadelphia Orchestra.

The Cypres recording (#1620) contains two of Rogister's string quartets.
The earlier one, no.  2 in F minor, was composed in 1914; no.  6 in C
minor was written in 1928.  Performing the quartets is the Quatuor Gong, a
relatively young Belgian group.  Many of you might remember the "Gong Show"
from TV land, but the name of this string quartet is based on the name of
the first violinist, Hanxiang Gong.

The earlier quartet in F minor shows no recognition of war clouds looming
in Europe.  It's a very sunny and agreeable work with a very light and
lyrical first movement, outstanding and somewhat sorrowful Larghetto,
infectious and often hushed scherzo, and a final Allegro of high spirits.

The C minor Quartet, although more advanced than the F minor, still is
entirely conventional and of generally good spirits.  The first movement
Allegro is based on two effectively contrasted themes, the second movement
Allegretto is a Scherzo with two different rhythms, the third movement is
slow and meditative, and the fourth is an energized romp which concludes in
a very strong and combative fashion.

I have thoroughly been enjoying this Cypres disc.  I can't make any claims
for masterpiece status of either string quartet, nor can I claim that
Rogister possesses the inventiveness of a Ravel.  But, his music definitely
enters my soul and heart quite effectively.  I expect to listen to this
disc often in the future and am very gratified with the purchase.  In my
opinion, the 2nd Quartet is the better of the two, particularly the second
movement Larghetto.

Although I have no comparisons, the Quatuor Gong appears fully in command
of the music, and the recorded sound is superb.

Don's Conclusion:  A must-buy for those who treasure early 20th century
string quartets (conservative ones).  Others might want to sample first
before buying.  Overall, I can't imagine anyone having strong objections
to the music, but some could well be turned off by the derivative nature
of the music.  This is beautiful stuff, and if one approaches it as such,
should provide great pleasure.

Don Satz
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