Nicanor

Abelardo
 Nicanor Abelardo
 was a Filipino composer known for
his kundiman songs, especially before
the Second World War.

 Born: February 7, 1893 at San Miguel de

Mayumo, Bulacan, Captaincy General of the
Philippines.

 Died: March 21, 1934 (aged 41) at San Juan

de Dios Hospital, Manila, Philippines.
 Nicanor Abelardo
 His mother belonged to a family of artists in Guagua,
the Henson. He was introduced to music when he was
five years old when his father taught him the solfeggio,
the bandurria, and the guitar at 6. His quick mastery of
the instruments has made him a prodigy in town.

 He could play his father's arrangement of Rossini's "

William Tell Overture" on the guitar at age 6. He also
learned the violin and other string instruments given to
him by his father, and learned how to play quickly
without much difficulty. In 1901, he wrote his first
composition, "Ang Unang Buko" and dedicated it to his
grandmother.
 Nicanor Abelardo
 Mother: Placida Sta. Ana
 Father: Valentine Abelardo

 Genres: Kundiman
 Occupation: Composer

 He was introduced to music when he was five

years old when his father taught him the
solfeggio, the bandurria, and the guitar at 6.
Biography
 He was introduced to music when he was five
years old when his father taught him the
solfeggio, the bandurria, and the guitar at 6.

 He also learned the violin and other string

instruments given to him by his father, and
learned how to play quickly without much
difficulty.
Biography
 In 1902 Nicanor's uncle, the painter Juan
Abelardo, took him to Manila to attend several
schools. During this time Nicanor became the
favorites among the haranistas who admired
him of his skill at such a young age.

 This was also the time where he learned how to

play the piano. He saw a piano for the first time
at a factory of one of his uncle's clients, and
immediately taught himself how to play it.
Biography
 However, in 1907 he returned to his hometown
and finished his 6th grade there after which he
was teaching music in various barrio schools
around town.

 In 1908 he returned to Manila and took

employment in various small theaters and
cinemas.

 He eventually became the leader of Cine

Majestic Orchestra, an orchestra from a famous
cinema.
Biography
 In 1916, Abelardo entered the newly-
established University of the Philippines
Conservatory of Music, taking courses under
Guy F. Harrison and Robert Schofield. During
his studies, he composed the melody of the
university's official anthem, U.P. Naming Mahal
in 1917.

 Abelardo learned to drink in the early 1920s

and ever since he won't pass a day without
drinking alcohol. In later years, his alcoholism
became uncontrollable which affected his life.
Biography
 In 1916, he studied at the University of the Philippines
Conservatory of Music. While there, he composed the
"U.P. Beloved", a school hymn which won first prize in
an open musical contest in 1917. In 1918, he was
appointed as an assistant instructor in solfeggio and
harmony. He became a full-pledged instructor in
1919. He received his teacher's certificate in science
and composition in 1923. He then became the head
of the composition department the following year.
Biography
 This greatly amused the people, but he did not
stay long because he has lost control of his
drinking, and became hospitalized for a month
because of it.

 In May 1931 he left Manila for Chicago and

enrolled at the Chicago Musical College under
Wesley LaViolette.

 In the field of composition, he is known for his

redefinition of the kundiman, bringing the
genre to art-song status.  Among his works
were “Nasaan Ka Irog,” “Magbalik Ka Hirang,”
and “Himutok.”
 Compositions
 Abelardo was a prolific composer of kundiman (art song). He redefined this genre and
elevated it to artistic heights through his compositions like "Nasaan Ka Irog?" (1923);
"Kundiman ng Luha" (1924), and "Paghanga" (1939). Abelardo also composed music for
the sarswela - such as "Kawanggawa" (1918); "Dakilang Punglo" (1926); "Tayo'y Pakasal
Na" (1930); "Kapabayaan o Bunga ng Masamang Hilig" (1918); "Sumilang", "Ang Tala ng
Unibersidad", "Lucila" (1911); the operetta "Akibat" (1913); "Ang Likha ni Pierrot o Batik
ng Kabihasnan" (1931); "Ang Mestiza" (1922); "Makabagong Dalaga" and "Batang
Tulisan" (1934). He also wrote in different musical forms such as the "Kung Hindi Man"
(transcribed from a love song originally for voice, violin, cello and piano), "Ang Aking
Bayan" (patriotic song), "Bonifacio Song", and "Naku...Kenkoy!" He also has works in the
classical genre which include "Sonata for violin and piano", "Salve Regina Mater" (1932),
and many others. After more than 140 works, Abelardo began to ail. He died in 1934
leaving behind several unfinished works.
Nicanor Abelardo’s Award

Awit Award for Best

Traditional Recording
 Members:
Lacson, Wesley Lhanz
Camara, Mary Grazhiele
Manalo, Catherine
Tolentino Aivonne Mae.