Contemporary Philippine Music Quiz

Study Notes

Contemporary Philippine Music (20th Century Traditional Composers)

Francisco Santiago: Considered the "Father of Kundiman." Known for songs like Pakiusap, Sakali man, Pilipinas kong mahal, and Madaling araw.

Nicanor Abelardo

Elevated Kundiman to an art song status, comparable to German Lied, French chanson, and Italian aria. Known for songs like Mutya ng Pasig, Ikaw rin, Paimakas, and Nasaan ka irog.

Antonio Molina

First National Artist for Music in the Philippines. Inspired by Debussy's dynamics and harmonics, while retaining a romantic melodic style. Notably known for his piano work "Malikmata". He received the National Artist award in 1973. Other works span orchestral music (Misa Antoniana, Grand Festival Mass, kundiman, kundangan, ang batingaw), chamber music (string quartet), and vocal music (amiban, awit ni Maria Clara, larawan nitong pilipinas).

Lucio San Pedro

Described as a "romantic nationalist." His most popular composition is Sa ugoy ng duyan, a lullaby. He collaborated with Levi Celerio on the lyrics. San Pedro was recognized internationally, notably judging the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1980. Awarded National Artist for Music in 1991.

Ryan Cayabyab

A contemporary composer with classical compositions. Known for works like "Misa" and "Misa 2000", "Four poems for soprano and piano," and "Te Deum". Awarded for "Kay ganda ng ating musika" (1976), "Paraiso" (1991), and the modern zarzuela "Alikabok" (2003), and the musical "Lorenzo." Awarded National Artist for Music in 2018.

Other Composers (Additional Information):

Levi Celerio: National Artist for Literature and Music. Achieved Guinness World Record for music creation. He composed songs such as Ang pipit, Sa ugoy ng duyan, Misa de Gallo, and Ang Pasko ay Sumapit.
Constancio C. de Guzman: A composer who studied piano under Nicanor Abelardo. His songs, like Ang bayan ko and Kung kita'y kapiling, won awards and were later symbolically significant in the Philippines.
Miguel "Mike" G. Velarde Jr.: A composer, conductor, movie actor, and musical director. Won an award for conducting and received a cultural achievement in popular music. Composed Dahil sa iyo and Minamahal kita.
Santiago Suarez: A composer who learned piano from his grandmother. Known for traditional Filipino love songs.
Restituto "Restie" A. Umali: Composed songs like Saan ka man naroroon, Ang pangarap koy ikaw, Alaala ng lumipas.
Angel M. Pena: A classical and jazz composer, arranger, and bass player. One of the founders of jazz music in the Philippines.
Ernani J. Cuenco: A National Artist for Music recognized for various musical compositions. His compositions are still popular today.
George M. Canseco: A renowned composer of popular Filipino classics. He was commissioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos to create a national tribute song, Ako Ay Pilipino. His other compositions include Kailangan Kita, Dito Ba, Langis at Tubig, Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan, and Ngayon at Kailanman.
Leopoldo R. Silos Sr.: A composer, singer, and arranger with significant contributions to romantic and soulful music in the Philippines, notably in musicals.