COMMONWEALTH HIGH SCHOOL

Ecols st., Commonwealth

2nd District, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Quarter 3
Quarter III- Contemporary Philippine Music

20th Century Traditional Composers

1. Francisco Beltran Buencamino Sr. (1883-1952) Born on November 5, 1883.

 He created the Buencamino Music Academy in 1930 where Nicanor Abelardo was one of his students.
 He ventured into musical directing and scoring, and composing film music for Sampaguita Pictures,LVN and
Excelsior.
 A posthumous award honored him the title “Outstanding Composer” after his death on October 16, 1952.

His Compositions
 Harana, Pandango ni Neneng, Collar de Sampaguita,Dulces las Horas, Mayon(Fantasia de Concierto), My Soul’s
Lament, Larawan, Mazurka Boholana, Mi Bandera, Princesa ng Kumintang, Maligayang Bati, Ang Bukang
Liwayway, Ang Bagong Balitaw, Himig ng Nayon, Damdamin (Romance) and Pizzicato Caprice.

2. Francisco Santiago (1889-1947) - Is known as the”Father of the Kundiman” and belongs to the “Triumvirate of Filipino
Composers” .
 His musical style was Romantic, incorporating Western forms and techniques with folk materials.

Among his Famous Works

 Pakiusap, Madaling Araw, Sakali Man, Hibik ng Pilipinas, Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran and Kundiman (Anak Dalita)

Among the films whose music he supervised are:

 Kundiman, Leron Leron SintaMadaling Araw, Manileña

3. Nicanor Abelardo (1893-1934) - One of the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers”. He studied music at the Chicago
Music of College and was influenced by the musical styles of Schoenberg, Hindemith and Stravinsky.
 He developed a style that combined European Romanticism with chromaticism.
 Although a 20th century modern composer in style, he is also considered a composer in the Romantic style.
His best-Known Composition
 Mutya ng Pasig, Nasaan Ka Irog, Cavatina for Violoncello and Magbalik ka Hirang.

4. Antonio J. Molina (1894-1980) – The first “National Artist for Music”. Considered one of the Triumvirate of Filipino
Composers.
 He began his music career as an orchestral soloist at the Manila Grand Opera House.
 He was a product of both the Romantic and Impressionist school of thought.
 He received the National Artist for Music award in 1973.
His Works
 He is best known for his poignantly romantic serenade for violin and piano Hatinggabi. Subsequently, transcriptions
of this piece were written for the cello, flute. Piano and guitar.
 Orchestral music- Misa Antoniana Grand Festival Mass, Ang Batingaw,
 Kundiman- Kundangan
 Chamber music- String Quartet, Kung sa Iyong Gunita, Pandangguhan
 Vocal music- Amihan, Awit ni Maria Clara, Larawan Nitong Pilipinas

5. Hilarion Rubio Francisco (1902- 1985)- Born on October 21, 1902 in Bacoor Cavite. A composer, music teacher,
conductor and clarinetist. His early interest in music came from the influence of his uncle who was then playing with the
Bacoor Band. His first music lessons in music theory and clarinet were with Fr. Amando Buencamino who thought him
Solfeggio and some musical instruments.
His Compositions
 Bulaklaken,Theme and Variation for Band, Dance of the Nymphs Rondo, Florante at Laura(Overture), Halik, Danza,
Unang Katas, Two-Part Invention (piano), Ang Konsyerto (ballet), Ang Magsasaka, Bukang Liwayway, Concertino in
C (marimba and piano), Filipinas Kong Mahal, Hatulan Mo Ako, Ginintuang Araw, In a Tropical
Sea, Light, Narra, Mutya ng Silangan, To the Filipino Youth, Nela, National Heroes Day Hymn and Salamism

6. Col. Antonino Buenaventura (1904-1996)- National Artist for Music. He was a renowned composer, conductor and
teacher. As a young boy, he had already demonstrated a passion for music while learning the rudiments of music and
solfeggio and becoming a proficient clarinet player. Col. Buenaventura further developed his musical abilities at the
Conservatory of Music at UP at the age of 19. He promoted Philippine music through his extensive use of folk materials
which he had recorded around the country with Ramon Tolentino and National Artist for Dance Francisca Reyes Aquino.

His Works
 He composed the music and folk dance notations for the dance researchers of Aquino
 As a multi-awarded musician- he composed Minuet, Mindanao Sketches,Divertimento for piano and orchestra,
Variations and Fugue and greetings.
 Pandanggo sa Ilaw- One of his popular compositions, remains a favorite performance repertoire of many folk
dance companies.

7. Rodolfo S. Cornejo (1909-1991) He was considered the first Filipino composer who received an honory degree from a
government recognized music school in the United States. “He was known for his “pianistic and compositional talent” by
extemporizing a piano composition at the spur of the moment.
His Works
 Glissando Waltz- His first composition at age 10, a piano piece.
 Military March- Salute
 His Compositional outputs- A L Juventud Filipina, Bailes de Ayer, Caprice on a Folksong, Cello Sonata, Ibong
Adarna, Kandingan, Malakas at Maganda, Overture, Okaka, oriental fantasy, Piano Concertos Nos. 1,2,3, Ruby and
Songs of the Mines.

8. Felipe Padilla De Leon Sr. (1912-1992) National Artist for Music. He wrote piano compositions, hymns, marches, art
songs, chamber music, symphonic poems, overtures, band music, school songs, orchestral works, operas, kundimans
and zarzuelas. He was known as a nationalist composer who expressed the Philippines’ cultural identity through his
compositions.
His Works
 Opera- Noli Me Tangere (1957), El Filibusterismo (1970)- Considered as his masterpieces.
 March- Tindig, Aking Inang bayan, Bagong Lipunan
 Christmas Carols- Payapang Daigdig (1946), Noche Buena and Pasko na Naman
 Bulaklak Alitaptap, Kay Tamis ng Buhay, Sapagkat Mahal Kita

9. Lucio San Pedro(1913- 2002) National Artist for Music

 He is known as a “Romantic nationalist”.
 He incorporated Philippine folk elements in his compositions with Western forms and harmony.
His Works
 Sa Ugoy ng Duyan- A lullaby melody sung by his mother
 Suite Pastorale ( 1956)- His orchestral composition
 Lahing Kayumanggi (1962)- His Nationalistic symphonic poem

10. Rosendo E. Santos Jr. (1922-1994) He was listed in the “New Groves Dictionary of Music and Musicians”. A prolific
composer, he had composed piano concerto, sonatas, symphonic poems, operas, band overtures and band marches.
 He was awarded the “Philippine Composer of the Century”
 He received the “Composer of the Year Award in Manila both in 1956 and 1957
 His Works
 Background music for J. Arthur Rank Films
 Melinda’s Masquerade- His last and only ballet composition.

11. Alfredo Buenaventura (1929)- He was a composer, conductor and teacher. He was drawn by his fascination with
trumpets and trombones and became one of its arrangers and conductors.
 He was twice an awardee of the Republic Cultural Heritage Award and the Outstanding Filipino Award (TOFIL)
for music in 1995.

His Works
 Danza- His first composition
 Operas- Maria Makiling (1961), Diego Silang(1966), Prinsesa Urduja (1969)
 Cantatas- Ang Ating Watawat ( 1965), Pasko ng Barangay (1964)
 Three Piano concertos- Celebration, Determination and Exultation
 Symphonies- Dakilang Lahi (1971), Gomburza (1981), Rizal- The Great Malayan Antagonist (1990)

12. Cipriano “Ryan “ Cayabyab (1954)

 He obtained his Bachelor of Music degree in UP College of Music, after which, he became a faculty member for
composition at the same university.
 Spans popular and classical words with his pop, ballads, operas, zarzuelas, orchestral and choral compositions.
 His compositional style makes much use of syncopation, extended chords, and chromatic harmony.
His Works
 Misa, Four Poems for Soprano and Piano, Te Deum, Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika (1978), Limang Dipang Tao, Da
Coconut Nut, Alikabok (2003), Spoliarium, Kumukuti-kutitap.

New Music Composers

1. Jose Maceda (1917- 2004) National Artist for Music. Born on January 17, 1917. He started his music studies at the
Academy of Music in Manila.
 Considered as the first Filipino Avant Garde composer.
 He worked at a recording company in Paris in 1958 which specialized in musique concrete

His Compositions
 Ugma-Ugma (1963)- A work for voice and ethnic instruments.
 Agungan (1975)- A piece for six gong families.
 Pagsamba (1968)- A musical ritual for circular auditorium using several percussion instruments.
 Cassettes 100 (1971)- A composition for 100 cassette tape recorders.
 Ugnayan (1974)- A ethnic piece played at the same time over several radio stations.

2. Lucrecia R. Kasilag (1918- 2008)- National Artist for Music. Born in San Fernando La Union on August 31, 1918.
 She was equally admired in the academe as a former dean of the College of Music and Fine Arts in PWU.
 In the cultural field- CCP president.
 In the dance circles- President and music director- Bayanihan Dance Company.
 Served as chairman of the Asian Composers’ League and the League of Filipino Composers.

Her Compsitions

 Toccata for Percussion and Winds (1959)- Composed for indigenous Muslim and Western instruments.
 The Legend of the Sarimanok (1963)-Composed for chamber orchestra and Philippine Ethnic instruments.
 Divertissement and Concertante (1960)- Compositions for piano and orchestra combining Western and Eastern
forms, harmonies and intervals.
 Dularawan (1969) - A musical drama combining a dance solo with a chorus and an ethnic orchestra.

3. Ramon P. Santos (1941 ) - National Artist for Music. Born in Pasig on February 25, 1941.
 He was conferred the title National Artist for Music in 1914.
 His compositional style features chromaticism, music seria, and electronic components, combined with
indigenous Philippine music elements.
His Compositions
 Ding Ding Nga Diyawa, Nabasag na Banga, Iba’t iba pang Pinag-ugpong-ugpong na Pananalita sa Wikang Pilipino
Para sa Labing Anim na Tinig and L’BAD

4. Fr. Manuel Maramba, OSB (1936). - He was born on July 4, 1936.

 One of the most accomplished musicians in the Philippines. He is best known as a liturgical composer
whose body of works lean towards religious figures and events. His versatility as pianist, composer,
arranger, theorist and teacher is widely recognized in the local music scene.
 He was the youngest finalist to participate in the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA)
piano competition in 1978.
 His musical career led him to the United States, where he performed at Carnegie Hall at the age of 19.

His Compositions
 Opera-Aba, Sto Niño, La Naval, Lord Takayama Ukon,
 Music for Awakening- Papal Mass for World Youth Day, 1995, Mass in Honor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, Mass in Honor of
Sto. Niño.
 Cantatas- St Lorenzo Ruiz, St. Benedict, and St Scholastica.
 Three Psalms- A Hymn in honor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and the official hymn of the 1996 National Eucharistic
Congress.
 Zarzuela- Ang Sarswela sa San Salvador.
 Orchestral work- Pugad Lawin, The Virgin of Naval and Transfiguration.

5. Jerry Dadap (1935) - Born on November 5, 1935 in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.

 The first Filipino composer to conduct his own works at the Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City.
 He taught composition, ear training, and orchestration at the Sta. Isabel College of Music in Manila upon his
return to the Philippine in 1971.
His Compositions
 The Passionate and the Wild (1960), Mangamuyo I(1976), Mangamuyo II (1977), The Redemption ( 1974),
Five Little Fingers (1975), Tubig Ng Buhay (1986), Dakilang Pagpapatawad (1986), Andres Bonifacio, Ang
Dakilang Anak Pawis, Ang Pag-Ibig ng Diyos, Balitaw Nos. 1-7, Lam-ang Epic, Lorenzo Ruyiz, Chorale
Symphonic Ode Nos. 1and 2, Aniway at Tomaneg, Song Cycles Nos 1-4, Choral Cyclew Nos. 1-3 and Diyos
Ama ay Purihin

6. Francisco F. Feliciano (1942- 2014) - National Artist for Music. Born on February 19, 1942, in Morong, Rizal.
 Avant garde composer and conductor for band and chorus.
 He is one of Asia’s leading figures in liturgical music, having composed hundreds of liturgical pieces, mass
settings, hymns, and songs for worship, at the Asian Institute for liturgy and Music, a school for church
musicians which he founded. He supervised the publication of a new Asian hymnal containing mostly
works of Asian composer.
 He was conferred the title of National Artist for Music in 2014.

His Compositions
 Sikhay sa Kabila ng Paalam, Ashen Wings, LaLoba Negra, Prelude and Toccata, Fragments, Yerma, The Life of
Wartime Filipino Hero Jose Abad Santos, Transfiguration, Missa Mysterium, Pokpok Alimpako, Salimbayan,
Umiinog, Walang Tinag, Pamugun and Restless.
7. Josefino Toledo (1959) - He is a recognized figure in the Asian contemporary art music scene.
 Among his awards are the following;
a. Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM)
b. Civitella Ranieri Fellowship in Italy
c. “Chancellor Awards for Outstanding Musical Works”, University of the Philippines.
 He served at the Pangkat Kawayan (a bamboo orchestra) from 1966- 1979 and the Philippine Youth
Orchestra (PYO) in 1977-1978. A principal percussionist of the Manila Symphony Orchestra in 1980-1983,
later he became music director and principal conductor in 1985.
 He is the founding director of the Metro Manila Community Orchestra, The UP Festival Orchestra and the
Crosswave Symphony Orchestra. He is noted for conducting the premier performances of the works of
Filipino composers as well as other Asian composers. His own music has been performed by well-known
international artists and ensembles.
His Works
 2nd Og-og, Abe, Ako ang Daigdig, Alitaptap, Aliw-iw, Awiting Bayan, Barasyon, Asia, Kah-non, Humigit Kumulang,
Lima, Mi-sa, Missa de gallo, Oyog-oyog, Musika para sa Pasyon at Buhay, Pompyang, Pintigan, Pilipino Komiks,
Sigaw, Tatluhan, Auit, Ub-og, Ug-nay, Tula-li.

8. Jonas Baes (1961) - Born in Los Baños, Laguna in 1961.

 He is known for writing music utilizing unorthodox musical instruments such as bean-pod rattles, leaves,
iron-nail chimes and various Asian instruments such as bamboo, scarpers, bamboo flutes, and vocal music
using Asian vocal techniques.
 He received the Gawad Chancellor para sa Pinakamahusay na Mananaliksik (Hall of Fame, 2003) from the
University of the Philippines.
His Compositions
 Imagined Community ( four bamboo scrapers),
 Wala (Nothingness), 1997/2001
 Daluy (Flow) 1 1997/2001
 IBON-IBON- (Birdwoman) 1994
 Salaysay -1996- for solo voice
 Patangis Buwaya ( crocodile weeps) 2003
 Pantawag (music for calling people)1981
 Basbasan (blessing) 1983

SONG COMPOSERS
1. Levi Celerio, (1910-2002)- Made it to the Guiness Book of World Records for being the only person to make music
with a mouth blown leaf. He received numerous awards for his musical achievements in film.
His Compositions:
Ang Pipit, Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, Misa de Gallo, Itik Itik (Folk Song) Tinikling (Folksong), and Ang Pasko ay
Sumapit

2. Constancio De Guzman, (1903-1982)- Acknowledged as the "Dean of Filipino movie composers and musical
directors". He is the composer of the nationalistic song '"Bayan Ko".

His other compositions:

Babalik ka Rin, Ang Tangi Kong Pag-Ibig, Birheng Walang Dambana, Malaala Mo Kaya, Sa Piling Mo, Ang Langit
Koý Ikaw.

3. Miguel"Mike" Velarde Jr.,(1913-1986)- Was a composer, Conductor, and musical director. He composed the popular
song Dahil sa Iyo in 1938. In 11975, The Philippine Government Cultural Association awarded him the Cultural
Achievement Award in Popular Music. He received the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in 1986.
His Compositions:
Buhat, Ikaw, Bituing Marikit, Minaamahal Kita, Dating Sumpaan, Dalisay, Eternally Yours, Gabi at Araw
4. Ernani Cuenco, (1936-1988) National Artist for Music-Was a composer, film scorer, musical director and music
teacher. He was hailed as National Artist in Music in 1999. His works embody the Filipino sense of musicality.
The classical sound of the kundiman is evident in some of his ballads.
His Compositions:
Nahan, Kahit na Magtiis, Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa, Pilipinas, Inang Bayan, Isang Dalangin,
Kalesa, Gaano ko Ikaw Kamahal, Bato sa Buhangin

5. Restituto "Restie" Umali, (1916-1998)- Was a composer, teacher and musical arranger.He arranged the Philippine
National Anthem and the local Classic Kataka-Taka for the Boston Pops Orchestra when it peformed for the
Philippine Independence Night in Boston in 1972. He wrote a total of more or less 120 movie theme songs. He
composed more than 250 score sfor movies which was capped by a Universal Pictures Production of NoMan is
an Island starred by Jeffrey Hunter and Barbara Perez.
His Compositions:
Saan Ka Man Naroroon, Alaala ng Lumipas, Ang Pangarap Ko'y Ikaw, Sa Libis ng Barrio, Di Ka Nag-iisa, Paano Kita
Lilimutin

6. George Canseco, (1934-2004)- Was considered a "nationally acclaimed composer of numerous Filipino classics".
He composed songs for Filipino singers and movie stars.
His Compositions:
Ikaw, Kailangan Kita, Dito Ba, Hiram, Langis at Tubig, Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggang, Sinasamba Kita,
Kastilyong Buhangin, Minsan pa nating hagkan ang Nakaran, Ngayon at Kailanman, Saan Darating ang
Umaga, Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon, Dear Heart, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan

7. Angel Pena, (1921-2014)- A classical and Jazz composer, musical arranger and bass player. He is widely
considered by modern Filipino jass musicians as "one of the founders of traditional jazz in the Philippines."
His Compositions:
Bagbagtulambing, Igorot Rhapsody, Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra Concerto for Jazz, Quartet and
Orchestra

8. Leopoldo Silos Jr., (1925-2015)- Composer, singer and musical arranger. He composed and recorded romantically
soulful songs. He was the award winning musical director of the televission musical Aawitan Kita.
His Compositions:
Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak, Hindi Kita Malimot, Aling Kutsero, Ay Anong Saklap, Basta't Mahal Kita, Diyos Lamang ang
Nakakaalam, Hindi ko Malilimutan, Lagi Kitang Naaalala, Langit at Lupa, Halina Halina, Lihim Na pag-ibig,Mundo Maý
Mawala.

9. Santiago Suarez, (1901-1964)- An accomplished composer of traditional Filipino love songs.His compositions are a
mixturture of the soulful kundiman style and the lively strains ofthe countryside. The melodies are tonal and
catchy.
His Compositions
Ligaya Ko, Pandanggo ni Neneng, Dungawin Mo Hirang, Bakya mo Neneng, Caprichosa, Sa Libis ng Nayon,Harana,
Kataka Taka,Labandera Ko, Lakambini, Kamia, Ikaw ang Buhay Ko, Kay Lungkot Nitong Hating-Gabi, Mutya Niya ring
Puso.