Contemporary Music in the Philippines

Study Notes

Historical Development of Music in the Philippines

Philippine contemporary music emerges from indigenous traditions and colonial influences.
Indigenous music included instrumental and vocal forms using flutes, shell trumpets, drums, and gongs.
Singing styles varied across different ethnic groups, reflecting diverse cultural practices.

Spanish Colonial Influence

Spanish colonization introduced religious music aimed at converting natives; friars were trained in music in Spain.
Birth of musical forms such as hymns, chants, orchestras, bands, and rondalla ensembles.
Music played a vital role in stage plays, dances, and operas during this period.

American Influence

Public schooling introduced children to simple hymns and songs with Western styles.
Schools became centers for learning instruments like the cello and violin.
Prominent musicians in Filipino contemporary music emerged, including Nicanor Abelardo, Felipe Padilla de Leon, and Francisco Santiago.

Mid-Twentieth Century Developments

Filipino music began to incorporate vernacular lyrics and original compositions, developing a distinctly ‘Filipinized’ sound.
Common practice among contemporary artists involves blending Western forms with Filipino content.

Musical Forms and Genres

Kundiman: An art song signifying love, originating during Spanish colonization, often used in courtship.
Harana: A traditional serenade performed by suitors, commonly featuring love songs, including kundiman.
Ballad: Traditionally narrates community events, modern usage includes romantic themes; exemplified by Yoyoy Villame’s “Magellan.”
Chamber Music: Instrumental music for small ensembles, with each part played by a single musician.
Choral Music: Compositions for choir, categorized by vocal ranges like soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
Liturgical Music: Songs for church services inspired by Jewish chants.
Opera: A combination of music and theater, involving a collaborative cast of singers and performers.
Pop Music: A broad category encompassing various genres, including RnB, Rap, Rock, and Dance.
Pinoy Folk Music: Reflects Western folk influences with lyric themes similar to artists like Bob Dylan.

Emerging Genres

Rap: Gained popularity in the late 1980s, characterized by rhythmic narration and electronic music influences.
Protest Songs: Address societal injustices and inequalities.

Dance Forms in the Philippines

Diverse dance traditions influenced by historical experiences and community values, often seen in war dances from the Mountain Provinces.
Indigenous dances served ritualistic purposes, evolving with colonization to include Christian elements.
Social dances absorbed European trends during colonization, while American influence introduced Afro-Cuban dance styles like tango and cha-cha, paving the way for contemporary dance in the Philippines.

Description

Explore the rich history of contemporary music in the Philippines, highlighting its roots in indigenous traditions and the influences of colonialism. Discover the diverse musical instruments and vocal styles that characterize different ethnic groups, as well as the evolution of music during Spanish colonization.