Traditional Composers

  1. Nicanor Abelardo

  • age 5: learned music

  • age 8: composed his first waltz, dedicated to his grandmother - “Ang Unang Buko”

  • studied at University of the Philippines College of Music

    • College of Music is called the “Abelardo Hall”

Famous works:

Nasaan Ka Irog? = Where Are You My Sweetheart?

Mutya ng Pasig = Beloved Beauty of Pasig

Bituing Marikit = ?

  1. Felipe Padilla de Leon

  • born in Nueva Ecija

  • former president of FILSCAP

Famous works:

Payapang Daigdig

Pasko Na Naman

Noli Me Tangere

El Filibusterismo

  1. Lucio San Pedro

  • born in Angono, Rizal

  • came from a family of musicians

  • known for lyrical & expressive music

  • taught music and composition in schools such as UP college of music

Famous works:

Sa Ugoy ng Dyan

Lahing Kayumanggi

  1. Antonio Molina

  • born on December 26, 1894, Manila

  • composer, conductor, and cellist

  • “Claude Debussy of the Philippines”

  • uses Impressionist techniques

Famous works:

Hatinggabi

Malakas at Maganda Overture

  1. Hilarion Rubion

  • born on October 21, 1902 in Bacoor, Cavite

  • began playing clarinet with the Bacoor Band at age 8

  • led music for operas, ballet, movies, etc

  • conductor of the National Opera Company from 1937-1960

  1. Rodolfo S. Cornejo

  • born on May 15, 1909 in Singalong, Manila

  • Became organist at the Pasay Catholic Church at a very young age

  • age 10: first piece - “Glissando Waltz”

  • age 13: published a military march - “Salute”

  • age 14: had 26 compositions published

  1. Ryan Cayabyab

  • born on May 4, 1954 in Manila

  • “Mr. C”

  • First Place, Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (1978)