Contemporary Music and Dance in the Philippines

Contemporary Music

A product of indigenous traditions and colonial influences in the Philippines.

Pre-Colonial Period Music

Filipino indigenous music that was instrumental and vocal, using various instruments such as flutes, shell trumpets, and gongs.

Spanish Period Music

Religious music promulgated by Spaniards, believed to have the power to convert natives into Christians.

American Period Music

A mixture of traditional Filipino music and Western musical elements introduced by the Americans.

Kundiman

An art song that signifies love and affection, performed as a solo vocal composition combined with an instrument.

Harana

A traditional courtship ritual where a suitor serenades his object of affection.

Ballad

A song that traditionally narrates an event in a community, now often referring to love songs.

Chamber Music

Instrumental music composed for a small ensemble, typically performed by three to eight musicians.

Choir Music

A musical composition intended for a group of singers called a choir, arranged according to voice categories.

Voice Types in Choir

Categories of voices in a choral ensemble: Soprano (higher female), Alto (lower female), Tenor (higher male), Bass (lowest male).

Melody

The central theme that serves as the tune of a choral composition.

Harmony

The combination of different musical notes and voices to produce pleasing sounds.

Rhythm

The time signature and rhythmic pattern in choral music.

Conducting

The act of leading a choir during rehearsals and performances, guiding tempo, dynamics, and interpretation.

Liturgical Music

Songs intended for church services, inspired by Jewish chants during religious rituals.

Opera

A combination of music and theater, a sung drama involving singers, dancers, and composers.

Pop Music

Music that is readily available to the broad populace, encompassing various genres.

Protest Songs

Songs that highlight injustices and inequality, aiming to inspire nationalism and heroism.

Dance

A popular form of expression in the Philippines, used to bond and share talents within the community.

Pre-Colonial Period Dance

Indigenous dances performed as narratives of daily life, evidenced by various mimetic dances.

Spanish Period Dance

Indigenous ritualistic dances adapted for veneration of Christian figures, influenced by European trends.

American Period Dance

Introduction of many dance forms from the West, marking the beginning of contemporary dance in the Philippines.

Aerobic Dance

A dance routine made into an exercise program, usually accompanied by upbeat pop music, with three phases: warm-up, aerobic dance, and cooldown.

Ballet

A dance and theatre art that follows a strict set of moves and performance techniques.

Folk Dance

Dances performed by various cultural groups, changing from region to region, often during rituals and celebrations.

Street Dance

A term for vernacular dances that developed organically within communities, performed in urban open spaces.