music

Leading Filipino Composers (1880-1900)

Francisco Buencamino Sr.

• Early Life

  • Born in San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan.

  • Father was an organist and symphonic band leader.

Education and Mentorship

• Studied composition and harmony at Liceo de Manila with Marcelo Adonay as mentor.

• Furthered musical education at Ateneo de Manila University and a Escuela of the music department at Centro Escolar de Senoritas (now Centro Escolar University) for three decades.

Career Contributions

• Established a publishing company and the Buencamino Music Academy.

• Nicanor Abelardo, another Filipino composer, became one of his students.

• Compositional works range from small solo piano pieces to large-scale theater and film music.

Notable Works

• Theater: "Si Tio Selo Yanyang," "Pangakong Hindi Natupad."

• Piano works likened to Franz Liszt's compositions.

• Incorporated Philippine folk melodies into a Western musical framework.

• Famous pieces include "Mayon," "Harana," "Damdamin," and "Ang Larawan."

Dr. Francisco Santiago

• Early Life

  • Born in Santa Maria, Bulacan.

  • Taught solfeggio and violin by his uncle.

Education and Teaching Career

• Taught piano at the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music.

• Studied at the American Conservatory of Music and Chicago Musical School, earning master’s and doctorate degrees in music.

Compositional Style

• Used Filipino folk songs as major elements in most of his works.

• Notable compositions include "Anak Dalita," "Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran?," "Pakiusap," "Madaling Araw," and "Ave Maria."

Nicanor Abelardo

• Early Life

  • Born in San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan.

  • Father taught him solfeggio and banduria at age 5.

  • Composed first piece "Unang Buko" at age 8.

Musical Journey

• Played piano backgrounds for silent films.

• Noticed by Buencamino, who recommended him for piano roles in bars.

Education and Influence

• Studied at UP Conservatory of Music in 1916 and taught solfeggio and harmony two years later.

• Further studies at Chicago Musical College in 1931 exposed him to Schonberg, Bartok, and Satie.

Compositional Achievements

• Elevated kundiman into an art song with significant contributions.

• Famous vocal works: "Nasaan ka Irog?", "Kundiman ng Luha," "Mutya ng Pasig."

Antonio Molina

• Early Life

  • Born in Quiapo, Manila.

  • Son of noted government official Juan Molina.

Education and Teaching Roles

• Attended Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1909.

• Taught at UP Conservatory of Music and became Dean of Centro Escolar Conservatory of Music.

Musical Style

• Renowned as a prominent composer akin to Claude Debussy.

• Well-known piece: "Hatinggabi," a serenade for solo violin and piano.

Important Filipino Composers Born 1901-1930

Col. Antonio Buenaventura

• Composer who used folk materials heavily in his compositions.

• Also served as a soldier and conductor of military bands.

• Notable works include "Mindanao Sketches," "Symphonies in C and Eb Major," and "Ode to Freedom."

Lucio San Pedro

• National Artist for Music, known for conducting and composing for symphonic band.

• Advocate for using folk songs, depicting Philippine beauty in work.

• Famous compositions: "Lahing Kayumanggi," "Suite Pastorale."

Jose Maceda

• Known for avant-garde compositions.

• Noteworthy works: "Pagsamba," "Udlot-Udlot."

• National Artist title awarded in 1997 for contributions to Philippine arts.

Lucrecia Kasilag

• First notable Filipino female composer.

• Studied with her mother, furthered education with music degrees.

• Renowned works: "Toccata for Percussion and Winds," "Walang Angay theme and variations,"

Prominent Filipino Composers Born 1931-1950

Ernani Cuenco

• National Artist for Music with a strong basis in pop songs and film soundtracks.

• Collaborated with lyricist Levi Celerio on several songs.

• Popular songs include "Gaano Kita Ka Mahal," and "Inang Bayan."

Dr. Francisco Feliciano

• Composer and educator, created significant works: "La Loba Negra," "Pamugun."

• Membership in the Order of National Artist for Music awarded shortly before his death.

Dr. Ramon Santos

• Noted for contributions in composition and research of folk music.

• His works reflect Western and Asian musical fusion.

Renowned and Living Filipino Composers

Josefino "Chino" Toledo

• Conductor and educator involved in folk music ensembles.

• Notable works include "Kwaderno Para sa Kwerdas" and "San Andres B."

Jonas Baes

• Interdisciplinary composer and ethnomusicologist with a focus on unique sound combinations.

• Known for audience participation in pieces like "Awit ng Ibon."

Raymundo Cipriano Pujante Cayabyab (Ryan Cayabyab)

• Highly regarded composer and musician, famous for lyrical songs and musicals.

• Key works: "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika," and "Spoliarium."