20th-Century Filipino Composers

20th-Century Traditional Filipino Composers

• Francisco B. Buencamino Sr. (1883-1952): Born in Bulacan. Taught at Ateneo de Manila and Centro Escolar de Señoritas. Founded Conservatory of Music. Established Buencamino Music Academy (1930) where Nicanor Abelardo was a student. Composed works like Harana, Pandanggo ni Neneng, Collar de Sampaguita, Dulces las Horas, and Mayon.

• Francisco Santiago (1889-1947): "Father of the Kundiman" and part of the "Triumvirate of Filipino Composers." Earned doctorate in Music from American Conservatory of Music (Chicago, 1924). Romantic style blending Western forms/techniques with folk materials. Composed Pakiusap, Madaling Araw, Sakali Man, Hibik ng Pilipinas, Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran, and Kundiman (Anak Dalita). Film music director.

• Nicanor Abelardo: Style combined European Romanticism and chromaticism. Compositions featured hazy tones, dissonance, unusual chords. Part of the "Triumvirate of Filipino Composers." Composed Cinderella Overture, Panoramas, Mutya ng Pasig, Nasaan Ka Irog, Cavatina for Violoncello, and Magbalik Ka Hirang.

• Antonio Molina: First National Artist for Music, part of the "Triumvirate of Filipino Composers." Faculty at University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music. Worked with Romantic and Impressionist styles. Orchestral soloist at Manila Grand Opera House. Famous for Hatinggabi, a poignantly romantic serenade. Awarded National Artist (1973). Composed Malikmata (Transfiguration), zarzuela, Misa Antoniana, Ang Batingaw, Kundiman-Kundangan, chamber music (String Quartet, Kung sa Iyong Gunita, Pandangguhan), and vocal music (Amihan, Awit ni Maria Clara, Larawan Nitong Pilipinas).

• Hilarion Rubio y Francisco: Born 1902 in Cavite. Served as conductor for opera, ballet, dance recitals, and film music. Conductor of National Opera Company (1937-1960). Wrote Bulaklaken, Theme and Variations for Band, Dance of the Nymphs Rondo, Florente at Laura (overture), Halik, Danza, Unang Katas, Two-part Invention (piano), and Ang Konsyerto (ballet).

• Col. Antonio Buenaventura: Promoted Philippine music, extensively using folk materials. Recorded folk/dance music with Ramon Tolentino and Francisca Reyes Aquino. Composed music and notations for Aquino's dance research. National Artist for Music (1988). Composed Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Minuet, Mindanao Sketches, Divertimento for Piano and Orchestra, Variations and Fugue, and Greetings.

• Rodolfo S. Cornejo: First Filipino composer with an honorary degree from a US government-recognized music school. Known for pianistic and compositional talent, including extemporaneous piano compositions.

• Felipe P. De Leon: Nationalist composer expressing Philippine cultural identity. Writer and Chairman of NCCA. Composed Christmas carols like Payapang Daigdig, Noche Buena, and Pasko Na Naman. National Artist for Music (1997) composed operas Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

• Lucio San Pedro: "Romantic nationalist." Incorporated Philippine folk elements with Western forms/harmony. Composed Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, a popular lullaby, and Suite Pastorale, Lahing Kayumanggi. National Artist for Music (1991).

• Rosendo Santos Jr.: Prolific composer listed in New Groves Dictionary of Music and Musicians. Composed concerti, sonatas, symphonies, symphonic poems, five operas in Philippine dialect, numerous band overtures, and over 200 marches. Composed 50 masses (Latin) and 20 (English). Extensive works in University of the Philippines library (over 1,000 compositions).

• Alfredo Buenaventura: Composed five full-length operas. Combined contemporary and conventional styles, with simple melodies and contemporary harmonies.

• Ryan Cayabyab: Contemporary composer/conductor spanning popular and classical genres (pop, ballads, operas, zarzuela, orchestral, choral). Composed works like Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika (1978), Alikabok (2003).

Innovative Sounds in 20th Century Philippine Music

• Composers introduced musical innovations blending western art music & entertainment trends. This differed from traditional kundiman melodies.

Additional Info on Traditional Filipino Composers:

• Francisco Buencamino Sr.: Father was Fortunato (church organist/bandmaster) Mother was Luisa (singer). Studied composition/harmony at Liceo de Manila.

• Famous works: Harana, Pandanggo ni Neneng, Collar de Sampaguita, Dulces las Horas, Mayon, My Soul’s Lament, Larawan, Mazurka, Boholana, Mi Bandera, Princesa ng Kumintang, Maligayang Bati, Ang Bukang Liwayway, Ang Bagong Balitaw, Himig ng Nayon, Damdamin, and Pizzicato Caprice

• Francisco Santiago: Director of UP Conservatory of Music. His Kundiman (Anak Dalita) was sung for King Alfonso II in Spain. Composed Pilipinas Kong Mahal.

• Hilarion Rubio y Francisco: Inspired by his uncle's music. Initially a clarinetist. Composed Unang Katas for Bacoor Band. Assisted in founding Anak Zapote Band. Served as conductor in Manila Music School. Active in Second World War era band music.

• Composed Bulaklaken, Theme and Variations for Band, Dance of the Nymphs Rondo, Florente at Laura (overture), Halik, Danza, Unang Katas, and much more.

• Col. Antonio Buenaventura: Father was Lucio (Spanish artillery band musician). Played clarinet, then pursued studies at UP and the Institute of International Education. Led the UP ROTC Band and later the Philippine Constabulary Band. Director at UP, UST, and UE.

• Rodolfo S. Cornejo: Inspired by his mother. Started music lessons at age six. Attended UP Conservatory, Chicago Musical College, and Neotarian College. Composed for funeral.

• Felipe Padilla de Leon Sr.: Married Iluminada Mendoza. Experiences with trombone in dance orchestras. Assisted the Nueva Ecija High School Conductor. Wrote musical arrangements and zarzuela music. Later, studied under Vittorio Giannini at Julliard School. Known for operas (Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo) and numerous other works.

• Other Details:  * Lucio San Pedro's style incorporated Philippine folk elements with Western forms and harmony.  * Rosendo Santos Jr. earned a Master of Music in theory and composition (Catholic University of America). Composed concerti, sonatas, symphonies, symphonic poems, operas, band overtures, marches, masses (Latin and English)..   * Alfredo Buenaventura composed five operas, blending contemporary and conventional musical styles.   * Ryan Cayabyab worked across popular and classical genres.

Explore the lives and contributions of three notable 20th-century Filipino composers: Francisco B. Buencamino Sr., Francisco Santiago, and Nicanor Abelardo. Learn about their musical styles, famous compositions, and impact on the Philippine music scene. This quiz delves into their unique contributions to traditional Filipino music and the evolution of the Kundiman genre.