Contemporary Philippine Music Study Notes

Module Objectives

  • Understand the foundations of Contemporary Philippine Music.
  • Narrate the lives of selected contemporary Filipino composers.
  • Analyze musical characteristics of traditional and contemporary Philippine music.
  • Improvise vocal/instrumental accompaniments for contemporary music.
  • Perform contemporary Philippine music selections.
  • Evaluate music and performances using guided rubrics.

Major Contemporary Composers

  • Francisco Santiago
  • Nicanor Abelardo
  • Antonio Molina
  • Lucio San Pedro
  • Rosendo Santos Jr.
  • Alfredo Buenaventura
  • Ryan Cayabyab

Introduction to Philippine Contemporary Music

  • Influences: Western compositional techniques due to Spanish and American colonization.
  • Many 20th-century composers integrate traditional and Western music styles.
  • Contemporary music includes elements from 20th-century art music and entertainment industry trends.

Key Concepts and Definitions

  • Kundiman: Traditional Filipino art song elevated by composers like Santiago and Abelardo.
  • Contemporary Music: Compositions blending Western music styles with local elements.

Key Works of Composers

Francisco Santiago (1889-1947)

  • Father of Kundiman
  • Significant Works: "Pakiusap", "Hibik ng Pilipinas", "Pilipinas Kong Mahal"

Antonio Molina (1894-1980)

  • First National Artist for Music
  • Influences: Romantic and Impressionist styles.
  • Significant Works: "Malikmata", "Misa Antoniana"

Nicanor Abelardo (1893-1934)

  • Known for Kundiman songs.
  • Studies: Influenced by the Serialist/Second Viennese School.
  • Significant Works: "Mutya ng Pasig", "Pahimakas"

Lucio San Pedro (1913-2002)

  • National Artist for Music
  • Known for integrating folk elements.
  • Significant Works: "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan"

Rosendo Santos Jr. (1922-1994)

  • Notable for concertos and operas.
  • Significant Works: "Suyuan sa Dagat", "Portrait of an Artist"

Alfredo Buenaventura (1929-)

  • Known for nationalist compositions.
  • Significant Works: "Maria Makiling", "Gomburza"

Ryan Cayabyab (1954-)

  • Contemporary composer with diverse influences.
  • Significant Works: "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika", "Lorenzo"

Themes in Contemporary Music

  • Blending traditional Filipino music with Western influences.
  • Development of unique Philippine musical identity through diverse genres and styles.