Rogel, José

1829-

Spanish composer and conductor; born at Orihuela, Alicante; was a pupil of Cascales, the organist, and Gil, the chapelmaster, of the town Cathedral. Although precocious musically, his father sent him to Valencia to prepare for the law; but during the six years' course there, he managed to devote much time to music, teaching, and studying composition under Perez, an organist. He also composed several sacred works and marches at this time, and a piece for four military bands that was performed at the University. Upon receiving his degree he entered on a career as theatre conductor in Madrid, and popular composer of zarzuelas. There are seventy-five of these operettas ascribed to him, over sixty of them having been written from 1854 to 1880, nearly forty of which were produced.