MUSIC

• Contemporary music in the Philippines refer to composition that have adopted ideas and elements from the 20th century.
• The modern Filipino repertoire consists of musical pieces that have been written in 20th century idioms that have evolved out of such stylistic movements as impressionism, expressionism, neo-classicism, avant-garde and new music.
• 20th century traditional Composers (part 1)

  1. Francisco B. Buencamino Sr. (1883-1952)
  2. Francisco S. Santiago (1889-1947)
  3. Nicanor Abelardo (1893-1934)
  4. Antonio J. Molina (1894-1980) National artist for music
  5. Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco (1902-1985)
  6. Col. Antonio Buenaventura (1904-1996)
  7. Rodolfo S. Cornejo (1909-1991)
  8. Felipe Padilla De Leon Sr. (1912-1992)
  9. Lucio San Pedro (1913-2002)
  10. Rosendo E. Santos Jr. (1922-1994)
  11. Alfredo Buenaventura (1929)
  12. Cipriano "Ryan" Cayabyab (1954)
• 1. Francisco B. Buencamino Sr. (1883-1952). - founded the Conservatory of Music In Centro Escolar University - created the Buencamino Music Academy - compositions: Larawan Harana, Maligayang Bati, Pandanggo ni Neneng
• 2. Francisco S. Santiago (1889-1947)

  • Known as the "Father of the Kundiman"
  • Belonged to the "Triumvirate of the Filipino Composers"
  • His music was Romantic in style, incorporating Western forms and techniques with folk materials
  • Compositions: Hibik ng Pilipinas, Pakiusap, Kundiman (AnakDalita), Sakali Man
• 3. Nicanor Abelardo (1893-1934)

  • One of the "Triumvirate of Filipino Composers" which includes Antonio Molina and Francisco Santiago
  • Compositions: Mutya ng Pasig, Nasaan ka Irog, Magbalik ka Hirang, Cavatina for Violoncello
• 4. Antonio J. Molina (1894-1980)

  • National Artist for Music
  • First National Artist for Music
  • Considered one of the "Triumvirate of Filipino Composers" which includes Nicanor Abelardo and Francisco Santiago
  • Was a product of both the Romantic and Impressionist styles
  • Was fascinated by the dynamics and harmonies of Debussy but retained much of the Romantic style in his melody
  • Compositions: Kung sa Iyong Gunita Malikmata (Transfiguration), Pandangguhan Hatinggabi
• 5. Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco (1902-1985)

  • A composer, music teacher, conductor, and clarinetist, created substantial works for the orchestra
  • Co-founded the Anak Zapote Band
  • Later became a bandleader and conductor of the ROTC band of the Conservatory of Music, University of the Philippines and played the violin and timpani with the UP junior Symphony Orchestra
  • Compositions: Bulaklaken Hatulan mo Ako, Theme and Variations for Band, Ginintuang Araw
• 6. Col. Antonio Buenaventura (1904-1996)

  • National artist for music
  • Restored the Philippine Constabulary Band in 1945, which was reputedly likened to a symphony orchestra, it was considered "One of the best military bands in the world", later renamed the Philippine Army Band
  • Music and Compositions: Minuet, Mindanao Sketches, Divertimento for Piano and Orchestra, Variations and Fugue, Greetings (based on Philippine Folk Music), Pandanggo sa Ilaw
• 7. Rodolfo S. Cornejo (1909-1991)

  • First composition at age 10 was a piano piece entitled Glissando Waltz, followed three years later by a military march entitled salute
  • Listed in the "The International Who's Who in Music"
  • Also known for his extemporaneous thematic improvisations based on the letters of people's names. - compositions: A La Juventud Filipina, Bailes De Ayer, Caprice on a Folksong, Cello Sonata, Ibong Adarna, Kandingan, Malakas at Maganda, Overture, Okaka , Oriental Fantasy, Piano Concerto nos. 1,2,3, Ruby and Song of the Miners
• 8. Felipe Padilla De Leon Sr. (1912-1992)

  • National artist for music
  • Took up Fine Arts at University of the Philippines in 1927, but had to stop in order to make a living
  • Played the trombone in dance orchestras which performed in Cabarets, circuses and bodabil (vaudeville)
  • Known as a nationalist composer who expressed the Philippines' cultural identity through his compositions
  • Music and compositions: Noli Me Tangere (1957), El Filibusterismo (1970), Tindig, Aking Inang Bayan, Bagong Lipunan, Payapang Daigdig (1946), Noche Buena, and Pasko na Naman
• 9. Lucio San Pedro (1913-2002)

  • National artist for music
  • Known as "romantic nationalist
  • Incorporated Philippine folk elements in his compositions with Western forms and harmony
  • His chords have a rich expressive tonality
  • Music and compositions: Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, Suite Pastorale (1956), Lahing Kayumanggi (1962)
• 10. Rosendo E. Santos (1922-1994)

  • Born September 3, 1922 in Cavite City
  • Age 11, he started composing band marches instrumental, and vocal scores, as well as music for Catholic masses
  • Was awarded the "Philippine Composer of the Century" after receiving the "Composer of the Year Award" in Manila in 1956 and 1957
• Alfredo Buenaventura
• Composer, conductor and teacher


  Drawn by his fascination with trumpets and trombones and became one of its arrangers and conductors
• Alfredo Buenaventura was one of the 20 boy sopranos of Tiplets at Sto. Domingo Church
• Music and compositions

  • Maria Makiling (1961)
  • Diego Silang (1966)
  • Prinsesa Urduha (1969)
  • Cantatas Ang ating Watawat (1956)
  • Paskong Baranggay (1964)
  • Three Piano concertos subtitled: Celebration, Determination, and Exultation
  • Dakilang Lahi (1971)
  • Gomburza (1981)
  • Rizal, the Great Malayan Antagonist
  • Philippine Medley no. 2
• 12. Cipriano "Ryan" Cayabyab (1954)

  • A popular contemporary composer who also has classical compositions to his credit
  • His style makes uses of syncopation, extended chords, and chromatic harmony
  • Obtained his Bachelor of Music degree at the UP College of Music
  • At present, he continues to be a professor, musical director, composer, arranger, and conductor in the Philippine concert
  • Compositions: Misa, Four Poems for Soprano and Piano, Te Deum, Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika (1978), Modern Zarzuela Alikabok (2003), the opera Spoliarium
• Francisco B. Buencamino Sr.

  
• Francisco S. Santiago

  
• Nicanor Abelardo

  
• Antonio J. Molina

  
• Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco

  
• Col. Antonio Buenaventura

  
• Rodolfo S. Cornejo

  
• Felipe Padilla De Leon Sr.

  
• Lucio San Pedro

  
• Rosendo E. Santos Jr.

  
• Alfredo Buenaventura

  
• Cipriano "Ryan" Cayabyab