Contemporary

Music
Ramon Santos,
PhD
• National Artist
• “contemporary music in the
Philippines
refers to compositions that have
adopted ideas and elements
from 20th century art music in
the west, as well as the latest
trends and musical styles in the
entertainment industry.”
• The modern Filipino repertoire
consists of musical pieces that have
been written in 20th century idioms
that have evolved out of such
stylistic movements as
impressionism, expressionism, neo-
classicism, as well as avant garde
and new music.
• New music are compositions which are
improvisational works such as the
early compositions of Dr. Ramon
Santos, Radyasyon and Quadrasyon;
Josefino “Chino” Toledo’s Samut-Sari,
Pintigan and Terminal Lamentations,
and Jonathan Baes’ Wala and Banwa.
 20th
Century
Traditional
Composers
FRANCISCO B. BUENCAMINO
SR.
FRANCISCO B. BUENCAMINO SR.
(1883 – 1952)
•November 5, 1883 in Bulacan. Son of
a musically inclined couple.
•Fortunato Buencamino, a church
organist and band master.
•Luisa Beltran, a noted singer.
• Studied music composition and
harmony at Liceo de Manila.
Unfortunately, he was not able to
finish.
• He taught at the Ateneo de Manila,
and at Centro Escolar de Señoritas
whose Conservatory of Music he
founded.
• 1930, created Buencamino Music
Academy.
• musical directing and scoring, and
composing film music for
Sampaguita Pictures, LVN, and
Excelsior.
 Buencamino’s
compositions include
• Harana, Pandanggo 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,
Pandanggo ni Neneng,
• Ang Bagong Balitaw, Himig ng Nayon,
Damdamin (Romance), and Pizzicato
Caprice
• Many of his piano works have
become a staple part of the
Philippine repertoire of today’s
young students, especially
Mayon, Larawan, and
Maligayang Bati.
• He also wrote several
zarzuelas and kundimans.
• He passed away on October
16, 1952 after which a
posthumous award honored
him with the title “Outstanding
Francisco Santiago
 Francisco Santiago
(1889 – 1947)
• “Father of the Kundiman”
• “Triumvirate of Filipino
Composers.”
• Music specialization
– American Conservatory of Music in
Chicago, Doctorate Degree in 1924.
Music Style:
– Romantic in style, incorporating
Western forms and techniques with
folk materials.
• He composed such as:
– kundiman, symphonies, piano concertos,
and other music pieces for the piano,
violin, and voice
• Musical director for films.
– Kundiman,
– Leron Leron Sinta,
– Madaling Araw,
– Manileña, and the movie inspired by his
own composition “Pakiusap”
• first Filipino Director, UP Conservatory of
Music.
Among his famous works
are:
• Pakiusap,
• Madaling Araw,
• Sakali Man,
• Hibik ng Pilipinas,
• Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran, and
Kundiman (Anak Dalita).
– This piece was sung before the Royal
Court of Spain upon the request of
King Alfonso II.
NICANOR ABELARDO
 NICANOR ABELARDO
(1893 – 1934)
• “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers”
• He studied music at the Chicago
Music College and was influenced
by the musical styles of
Schoenberg, Hindemith and
Stravinsky.
• Music Style:
– European romanticism with
chromaticism.
• His compositions contain
– hazy tones, dissonance and unusual
chordal combinations found in such
works as Cinderella Overture,
Panoramas, and a violin sonata.
• Considered a composer in the
Romantic style.
• Compositions include:
– Mutya ng Pasig, Nasaan Ka Irog,
Cavatina for Violoncello, and
Magbalik Ka Hirang.
ANTONIO J. MOLINA
 ANTONIO J. MOLINA
(1894 – 1980)
National Artist for Music
• first National Artist for Music,
• “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers”
• He began his music career as an
orchestral soloist at the Manila
Grand Opera House.
• 1948 to 1970. Dean, Centro
Escolar University Conservatory of
Music.
• Music Style:
• Product of both the Romantic and
Impressionist schools of thought.
• Dynamics and harmonies of
Debussy,
• Romantic style in his melody
• Impressionist work
– is his piano work Malikmata
(Transfiguration).
• The mysteriously exotic chords of this
piece gradually lead to a lyrical
melody, with the traditional harmonies
abruptly returning to the initial mood.
• Molina wrote several compositions
– piano, violin and
– Spanish-style opera form (zarzuela)
• Poignantly romantic serenade
– violin and piano “Hatinggabi”.
Subsequent transcriptions of this piece
were written for the cello, flute, piano,
and guitar
• Other works by Molina include
– orchestral music - Misa Antoniana
Grand Festival Mass, Ang Batingaw,
Kundiman-Kundangan;
– chamber music - String Quartet,
Kung sa Iyong Gunita,
Pandangguhan; and
– vocal music - Amihan, Awit ni Maria
Clara, and Larawan Nitong Pilipinas.

• 1973, National Artist for Music award.

• January 29, 1980. He passed away.
 HILARION RUBIO Y
FRANCISCO
(1902 – 1985)
• October 21, 1902 in Bacoor, Cavite.
• A composer, music teacher, conductor,
choirmaster clarinetist
• Conductor for opera, ballet, dance
recitals, and movie music.
• First interest in music, the “Bacoor
Band.” At Age of 8, member of the
Bacoor Band as a clarinetist.
• First composition Unang Katas
• First music lessons, with Fr. Amando
Buencamino, solfeggio and some
musical instruments.
• Member of the Lyric Theater Orchestra,
Trozo Band in Benavides Street, and the
Band Moderna in Tondo.
• He co-founded the Anak Zapote Band.
• became a bandleader and conductor of the
ROTC Band of the Conservatory of Music,
University of the Philippines (UP) and
played the violin and timpani with the UP
Junior Symphony Orchestra.
• Vice President of the PASAMBAP
(Pambansang Samahan ng mga Banda sa
Pilipinas),
• the National Band Association, board and
• charter member of the League of Filipino
composers, and
• the first President of the Philippine
Bandmaster’s Association.
• He was conductor of the National
Opera Company for 23 years from
1937 to 1960.
• Rubio’s compositions include:
– Bulaklaken,
– Theme and Variations for Band,
– Dance of the Nymphs Rondo,
– Florente at Laura (overture),
– Halik, Danza, Unang Katas,
– Twopart 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
– Salamisim.
• He passed away on December 28,
1985.
COL. ANTONINO
BUENAVENTURA
 COL. ANTONINO
BUENAVENTURA
(1904 – 1996)
National Artist for Music
• composer, conductor, and teacher.
• His father Lucio
– chief musician of the Spanish artillery
band in Intramuros and founder of
Banda Buenaventura
• Demonstrated a passion for music
while learning the rudiments of
music and solfeggio .
• proficient clarinet player.
• at age19, Conservatory of Music,
University of the Philippines (UP).
• Teacher’s Diploma in Science and
Composition at UP.
• Nicanor Abelardo and Francisco
Santiago were among his famous
mentors.
• led the UP ROTC Band and
established the UP Junior Orchestra
which was the first collegiate
orchestra in the country.
• Institute of International Education in
• study grant by the UNESCO in 1949.
• He was a delegate to the general
assembly of the International Society for
Music Education held in Montreux,
Switzerland in 1976.
• He represented the country at the
general meetings of the International
Music Council (IMC) in Rome (1962)
and Hamburg (1964).
• Actively involved with the various
military bands which ultimately earned
him his military rank of Colonel.
• He was a music instructor and band
conductor of the Philippine Military
Academy (PMA).
• 1945, restored the Philippine
Constabulary Band.
• Philippine Constabulary Band
– “one of the best military bands in the
world.” renamed the (Philippine Army
Band).
He also founded the San Pablo Music
Academy in Laguna.
• Faculty member of the UP
Conservatory of Music.
• 1961, Music director of the
Conservatory of Music, UST
• 1964, School of Music and Arts,
UE.
• composed the music and folk
dance notations for the dance
researches of Aquino.
• popular compositions, remains a
favorite performance repertoire of
many folk dance companies.
• As a multi-awarded musician,

– Minuet,
– Mindanao Sketches,
– Divertimento for Piano and
– Orchestra,
– Variations and Fugue, and
– Greetings based on Philippine folk
music.
– Pandanggo sa Ilaw,
RODOLFO S. CORNEJO
 RODOLFO S. CORNEJO
(1909 – 1991)
• May 15, 1909 in Singalong,
Manila.
• at age 6, formal music lessons
inspired by his mother.
• Organist of the Pasay Catholic
Church.
• at age 10, started composing
entitled Glissando Waltz , military
march entitled Salute.
• At age 14, 26 of Cornejo’s
compositions were already listed
• Teacher’s Diploma in Pianoforte
and
• Teacher’s Diploma in Science
and Composition at the
Conservatory of Music, University
of the Philippines (UP) in 1930.
• 1932, BM degree major in piano
and theory from the CMCRU, USA
• 1933, MM degree major in
composition and conducting at the
CMCRU, USA.
• 1954, Doctor of Music degree
honoris causa.
• 1947, Doctor of Philosophy degree
major in composition from the
Neotarian College of Philosophy in
Kansas City, USA
• taught at the UP Conservatory of
Music and became the researcher
and official composer of the
Philippine government-in-exile.
• was appointed by then President
Manuel L. Quezon.
• He was commissioned to write a
symphony and an opera and
compose the music for the
documentary film on President
• Pianist director of a USO concert
unit that entertained the Allied
Forces at the E.T.O., the Marianas,
and the Hawaiian Islands during
World War II.
• soloist of the Manila Symphony
Orchestra, Filipinas Youth
Symphony Orchestra, and UP
Symphony Orchestra.
• musical director of the
Sampaguita and Vera-Perez Movie
Companies.
• Since 1978, he held concerts in the
United States.
• composer-conductor at the Seattle
Opera House and the Seattle
Playhouse.
• He is listed in “The International
Who’s Who in Music.”
• known for his extemporaneous
thematic improvisations based on
the letters of people’s names.
• He passed away on August 11,
1991.
His compositional output
includes:
– A la Juventud Filipina,
– Bailes de Ayer,
– Caprice on a Folksong,
– Cello Sonata,
– Ibong Adarna,
– Kandingan,
– Malakas at Maganda,
– Overture,
– Okaka,
– Oriental Fantasy, Piano Concerto
Nos. 1,2,3, Ruby, and Song of the
Miners.
FELIPE PADILLA DE LEON
SR.
FELIPE PADILLA DE LEON
SR. (1912 – 1992)
• National Artist for Music
• May 1, 1912 in Barrio Papaya
(now General Tinio) in Penaranda,
Nueva Ecija.
• He is the son of Juan de Leon and
Natalia Padilla.
• Married pianist Iluminada
Mendoza with six children.
• FELIPE PADILLA DE LEON
SR. Children:
–Bayani is a well-known
composer, and
–Felipe Jr. is a writer and the
chairman of the National
Commission for Culture and the
Arts (NCCA).
• De Leon’s talent in painting
and drawing.
• 1927, Fine Arts at the University of
the Philippines.
• He played the trombone in dance
orchestras which performed in
cabarets, circuses and bodabil
(vaudeville).
• Assistant conductor of the Nueva
Ecija High School Orchestra
(Ensemble)
• wrote music for the zarzuela.
• Conservatory of Music, University of
the Philippines, where he studied
under National Artists Col. Antonio
Buenaventura and Antonio Molina.
• He wrote music columns for the
Manila Times (then known as
Manila Tribune) and Taliba.
• 1939, graduated with a music
teacher's diploma, major in
conducting.
• Advanced studies in composition
under Vittorio Giannini of the Julliard
School of Music in New York, USA.
• Composer of the Year (1949),
• Manila Music Lovers Society,
• Musician of the Year (1958),
• UP Conservatory of Music, and
others.
• 1991, conferred an honorary
degree, doctor of philosophy in
the humanities, UP.
 De Leon wrote piano
compositions:
• hymns,
• marches,
• art songs,
• chamber music,
• band music,
• symphonic • school songs,
poems, • orchestral works,
• overtures, • operas,
• kundiman, and
• zarzuelas.
• known as a nationalist composer
who expressed the Philippines'
cultural identity through his
compositions.
• Two operas which are considered
his
masterpieces are the:

– Noli Me Tangere (1957) and

– El Filibusterismo (1970).
• He also wrote a march during the
Japanese regime entitled
– Tindig,
– Aking Inang Bayan,
– And another march Bagong Lipunan
during the martial law .
• He wrote the popular Christmas
carols
– Payapang Daigdig (1946),
– Noche Buena, and
– Pasko Na Naman, both in 1965.
• 1997, posthumous award as
National Artist for Music.
• He died on December 5, 1992.
LUCIO SAN PEDRO
 LUCIO SAN PEDRO
(1913 – 2002)
• National Artist for Music.
• February 11, 1913 inAngono,
Rizal.
• Since his elementary days, he
started composing.
• He studied the banjo which
inspired him to become a serious
musician.
• Music Degree, University of the
Philippines and the Juilliard
• known as a “romantic nationalist.
• Music Style:
– Philippine folk elements with
Western forms and harmony.
• His chords have a rich expressive
tonality, as represented in his well-
loved
– Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, a lullaby melody
sung by his mother.
• His orchestral compositions are
best represented by the Suite
Pastorale (1956),
• a poetic aural description of his
hometown Angono, and his
nationalistic symphonic poem
Lahing Kayumanggi(1962).
• Other compositions include songs,
pieces for violin, cello, and chorus.
• the symphonic band, prolific and
productive both as composer and
conductor.
• His musical prowess was
internationally recognized when he
was invited to be a judge at the
prestigious Van Cliburn
International Piano Competition in
1980.
• 1991, National Artist for Music.
• Passed away on March 31, 2002.
ROSENDO E. SANTOS JR.
 ROSENDO E. SANTOS JR.
(1922 – 1994)
• September 3, 1922 in Cavite City.
• At age 11, he started composing
band marches, instrumental, and
vocal scores, as well as music for
Catholic masses.
• He studied in Cavite schools and
later graduated from the UP
Conservatory of Music where he
eventually became a faculty
member.
• He also pursued a Master of Music
degree in theory and composition
from the Catholic University of
America in Washington, D.C.
• After which, he also served on its
faculty as well as in West Virginia
University and Howard University.
• As a UNESCO scholar, Santos
was awarded the “Philippine
Composer of the Century” after
receiving the “Composer of the
Year Award” in Manila in 1956 and
1957
• He joined the faculty at Wilkes
University, Pennsylvania in 1968.
He performed as timpanist, pianist,
and conductor with several
orchestral groups.
• He conducted church choirs in
Maryland, New Jersey, Lehman,
Huntsville, and Shavertown United
Methodist Churches in
Pennsylvania, USA.
• He composed the background
music for J. Arthur Rank Films at
Pinewood Studios in London,
England, where he worked with
British composers Malcolm Arnold
and Muir Mathieson.
• Among Santos’ teachers were
famous composers Aaron Copland,
Irving Fine, Humphrey Searle, and
conductor Norman Del Mar.
• A prolific composer,
• he had composed several piano
concerti, sonatas, symphonies,
symphonic poems, five operas in
Filipino, numerous band overtures,
and more than 200 marches.
• He had also written 50 masses in
Latin and 20 in English.
• He has more than 1,000 musical
compositions in the library of the
University of the Philippines.
Santos’ last musical work and only
ballet composition, Melinda’s
Masquerade,
• Melinda’s Masquerade, was
performed in 1995, a year after
his death.
• Santos passed away on
November 4, 1994 in
Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, USA.
 ALFREDO
BUENAVENTURA (1929)
• October 14, 1929 in Sta. Maria,
Bulacan in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
• composer, conductor and teacher.
• He grew up in a musical
environment and became a band
member in his hometown at a
young age.
• He grew up in a musical
environment and became a band
member in his hometown at a
young age.
• He was drawn by his fascination
with trumpets and trombones and
became one of its arrangers and
conductors.
• He was one of twenty boy sopranos
of Tiples at Sto. Domingo Church
from where he received his first
significant musical training. At that
time, he also wrote his first
composition, Danza ..
• A prolific composer,
Buenaventura has composed
over 50 major works including:
– five full-length operas,
– operettas,
– dance dramas,
– cantatas,
– symphonies,
– concertos,
– ballets,
– overtures,
– prelude,
– fugues, and
– chamber music
• His compositions and other
creative works have transcended
territorial, racial, and language
barriers as these have been
performed abroad by international
virtuosi and religious groups.
• Many of his compositions are
based on Filipino heroes, legends,
and epics.
• He uses native songs, both tribal
and folk, as themes of his music
compositions. A number of his
compositions are accompanied by
Filipino indigenous instruments.
Some of his major works
include the operas:
– Maria Makiling (1961),
– Diego Silang (1966),
– Prinsesa Urduha (1969),
– cantatas Ang Ating Watawat(1965),
– Pasko ng Barangay (1964),
• three piano concertos subtitled
– Celebration,
– Determination, and
– Exultation,
• symphonies such as
– Dakilang Lahi (1971),
– Gomburza (1981), and Rizal,
– the Great Malayan Antagonist
(1990).
minor works, 50 cover.
– religious songs and
– hymns for specific celebrations such
As:
• the Sixteenth Centenary of St.
Augustine,
• Mass for the 400th Year of the
• musical works have been
commissioned by the Cultural
Center of the
Philippines,Metropolitan Theater,
and the National Music
Competitions for Young Artists
(NAMCYA).
• compositional style:
– contemporary and conventional
materials.
– melodies simple and understandable
but with contemporary harmonies that
enhance their complexity.
• in 1960, Official organist of the
Manila Cathedral.
• Dean of the College of Music,
Centro Escolar University.
• Member, League of Filipino
Composers.
• An awardee of the
– Republic Cultural Heritage Award
– The Outstanding Filipino Award
(TOFIL) for Music in 1995.
CIPRIANO “RYAN”
CAYABYAB
 CIPRIANO “RYAN”
CAYABYAB
• popular contemporary composer
• classical compositions:
– Misa, Four Poems for Soprano and
Piano, and Te Deum
• compositional style:
– syncopation, extended chords, and
chromatic harmony.
• Numerous compositions are the
award-winning
– Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika (1978),
as well as the
– modern zarzuela Alikabok (2003),
– the opera Spoliarium with libretto by
Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, and
– a variety of choral pieces and song
cycles.
produced a number of recordings,
including the memorable album One,
where he personally sang the
unaccompanied songs on different
tracks to produce 16 voices.
• May 4, 1954 in Manila
• Bachelor of Music degree at the
University of the Philippines’
College of Music.
• faculty member for Composition at
the same University
• Executive and Artistic Director of
the San Miguel Foundation for the
Performing Arts.
– operations and programming of the
San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra
and the San Miguel Master Chorale.
• At present, he continues to be a
much sought-after professor,
musical director, composer,
arranger, and conductor in the
Philippine concert and recording
scenes.