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."