Contemporary Music:

20th Century Traditional Composers

and New Music Composers

Music 10
Quarter 3 Module 1

FRANCIS B. LUMIWES
Developer
Department of Education Cordillera Administrative Region

Name: _________________________ Grade and Section: _________________

Teacher: _______________________ Score: _________________________

i
 Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Cordillera Administrative Region
DIVISION OF BAGUIO
Military Cut Off, Baguio City

Published by:
Learning Resource Management and Development System

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
2020

Section 9 of Presidential Decree No. 49 provides:

“No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the

Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency of office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such
work for profit.”

This material has been developed for the implementation of K-12

Curriculum through the Curriculum Implementation Division (CID)—
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS). It
can be reproduced for educational purposes and the source must be
acknowledged. Derivatives of the work including creating an edited
version, an enhancement or a supplementary work are permitted
provided all original work is acknowledged and the copyright is
attributed. No work may be derived from this material for commercial
purposes and profit.

ii
 What I Know

Before starting with the lesson, let us find out what you know regarding
contemporary music and the different composers. Below are questions to
assess what you know. Read and understand the question then write your
answer on the space provided before the number. Good Luck!

____1. Refers to compositions that have adopted ideas and elements from 20 th
century art music of the West and the latest trends and musical styles in the
entertainment industry
a. Classical music c. Alternative music
b. Popular music d. Contemporary music
____2. These are compositions which are considered as improvisational works
a. Traditional music c. New music
b. Contemporary music d. Classical music
____3. Known as the “Father of the Kundiman”
a. Nicanor S. Abelardo c. Hilarion F. Rubio
b. Francisco S. Santiago d. Ryan Cayabyab
____4. A composer known for being a “romantic nationalist”
a. Lucio D. San Pedro c. Francisco B. Buencamino Sr.
b. Alfredo S. Buenaventura d. Rodolfo S. Cornejo
____5. A National Artist for Music known for his two operas, Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo
a. Felipe P. De Leon Sr. c. Col. Antonino R. Buenaventura
b. Rosendo E. Santos Jr. d. Alfredo S. Buenaventura
____6. Considered as the first Filipino avant garde composer
a. Jose M. Maceda c. Jerry A. Dadap
b. Lucrecia R. Kasilag d. Ramon P. Santos
____7. A National Artist for Music who is particularly known for incorporating
indigenous Filipino instruments into orchestral productions
a. Fr. Manuel P. Maramba c. Ramon P. Santos
b. Lucrecia R. Kasilag d. Francisco F. Feliciano
____8. A National Artist for Music whose compositional style features chromaticism,
music seria and electronic components combined with indigenous Philippine
music elements.
a. Jonas Baes c. Josefino J. Toledo
b. Ramon P. Santos d. Lucrecia R. Kasilag
____9. A recognized figure in the Asian contemporary art music scene.
a. Francisco F. Feliciano c. Josefino J. Toledo
b. Jonas Baes d. Jerry A. Dadap

3
____10. One of the most accomplished musician and liturgist in the Philippines
during the second half of the 20th century
a. Ramon P. Santos c. Jose M. Maceda
b. Francisco F. Feliciano d. Fr. Manuel P. Maramba
____11. Known for writing music utilizing unorthodox musical instruments.
a. Josefino J. Toledo c. Constancio C. De Guzman
b. Francisco F. Feliciano d. Jonas Baes
____12. First Filipino composer to conduct at the Carnegie Recital Hall in New York
City.
a. Fr. Manuel P. Maramba c. Levi Celerio
b. Santiago Suarez d. Jerry A. Dadap
____13. His compositional style makes much use of syncopation, extended chords,
and chromatic harmony.
a. George M. Canseco c. Cipriano P. Cayabyab
b. Alfredo S. Buenaventura d. Rosendo E. Santas Jr.
____14. The last of the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers”.
a. Antonio J. Molina c. Ernani J. Cuenco
b. Hilarion F. Rubio d. Francisco B. Buencamino Sr.
____15. Conferred the title of National Artist for Music in 2014.
a. Josefino J. Toledo. c. Jonas Baes
b. Francisco F. Feliciano d. Angel M. Peña

Were you able to answer the questions? Remember, do not leave any question
unanswered. Try to go over the questions as you go on with the module and re-
evaluate your answers. Let us now proceed with the lesson.

What’s In
According to National Artist Ramon Santos, PhD, “contemporary music in the
Philippines refers to compositions that have adopted ideas and elements from 20 th
century art music in the West, as well as the latest trends and musical styles in the
entertainment industry.”

The modern Filipino repertoire consist of pieces that have been written in
twentieth century idioms that have evolved out of such stylistic movements as
impressionism, expressionism, neo-classism, as well as the so-called avant-garde
and New Music.

New music are compositions which are improvisational works such as Dr.
Ramon Santos’ early compositions, Radyasyon and Quadrasyon. Josefino Toledo’s
Samut-Sari, Pintigan and Terminal Lamentations, and Jonas Baes’ Wala and
Banwa.

4
 What’s New

Below are the jumbled names of Philippine Traditional and New Music
composers. Unscramble the letters to form the correct names of the composers.
Write your answers on the space provided.

Activity 1
1. SOTNAS - _____________________
2. RBUIO - ______________________
3. OTLDEO - _____________________
4. NASOST RJ - __________________
5. NAS REPDO - __________________
6. NANBREUUETVA -______________
7. MINOAL -______________________
8. LCO ETUUNAVAEBNR -__________
9. KASIALG -_____________________
10. JRCNOOE -___________________
11. IEACINLFO -_________________
12. IATAOGSN - _________________
13. EDOBALRA -_________________
14. ED LNEO SR -________________
15. DMCAAE -___________________
16. DAADP -____________________
17. BMUEONINAC RS -___________
18. BAAMMAR -_________________
19. ASEB -_____________________
20. ABYAABCY -________________

What is it

With the colonization of the Philippines by Spain and America, it was

inevitable that their compositional techniques were integrated into the works of
Filipino composers. Still, the 20th century Filipino composers were able to retain
some traditional elements while integrating Western techniques. These Filipino
composers have become the strongest foundation of Philippine music.

Contemporary Philippine Music

20th Century Traditional Composers
Francisco B. Buencamino Sr. (1883-1952)
Francisco B. Buencamino Sr., who was born in November 5,
1883, belonged to a family of musicians. He studied music
composition and harmony at Liceo de Manila but was not able to
finish his studies. He founded the Conservatory of Music at Centro
Escolar de Señoritas and in 1930 created the Buencamino Music

Image:filipinaslibrary.org.ph
5
Academy. To develop his career, he ventured into musical directing and scoring, and
composing film music for Sampaguita Pictures, LVN, and Excelsior. Mayon,
Larawan, and Maligayang Bati, are some of Buencamino’s piano works that have
become a primary part of the Philippine repertoire of today’s young students. His
kundimans, including “En el bello Oriente” and “Ang Una Kong Pag-Ibig,” were very
popular. Some of the sarswelas he wrote are Marcela, Si Tio Celo and Yayang.
(Filipinas Heritage Library, 2018) Buencamino’s composition include Harana, Himig
ng Nayon, Liwayway, Prinsesa ng Kumintang, Ang Bukang Liwayway, Pandanggo ni
Neneng, Ang Bagong Balitaw, Damdamin (Romance), and Pizzicato Caprice.

Francisco S. Santiago (1889-1947)

Known as the “Father of the Kundiman”, Francisco S.
Santiago was born to musically inclined parents in Bulacan on
January 29, 1889. He belonged to the “Triumvirate of Filipino
Composers” and finished his music specialization at the American
Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Santiago’s musical style was
Romantic in nature that incorporated Western forms and
techniques with folk materials. He composed several works such
as kundiman, symphonies, piano concerti, and other music pieces Image:actmusicguide.
wordpress.com
for the piano, violin, and voice.
His famous works include Pakiusap, Hibik Ng Pilipinas, Suyuan, Pagsikat ng
Araw, Madaling Araw, Sakali Man, Kundiman (Anak Dalita), and Ano Kaya ang
Kapalaran. He also directed the music for such films as "Manileña," "Madaling Araw,"
and "Pakiusap." Santiago became director of the U.P. Conservatory of Music from
1930 to 1946 and was subsequently named U.P. Emeritus Professor of Piano on
May 25, 1946.

Nicanor S. Abelardo (1893-1934)

Nicanor S. Abelardo was born in Bulacan on February 7,
1893. He is one of the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers” that
included, Antonio Molina and Francisco Santiago. He developed
a style that combined European romanticism with chromaticism.
His compositions contain hay tones, dissonance, and unusual
chordal combinations.
Although a 20th century modern composer in style,
Image:filipinaslibrary.gov.ph
Abelardo is also considered a composer in the Romantic style.
His best-known compositions include Magbalik Ka Hirang, Nasaan Ka Irog, Mutya ng
Pasig and the melody of the University of the Philippines official anthem, U.P.
Naming Mahal.

6
Antonio J. Molina (1894-1980)
Antonio J. Molina, born on December 26, 1894 in Manila
was a versatile musician, composer, music educator was the last
of the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers”, two of whom were
Nicanor Abelardo and Francisco Santiago, who elevated music
beyond the realm of folk music.
Molina was a product of both the Romantic and impressionist Image:ncca.gov.ph

styles. He was fascinated by the dynamics and harmonies of Debussy but retained
much of the Romantic style in his melody. A characteristically impressionist work is
his piano composition Malikmata (Transfiguration). Molina wrote several
compositions for piano, violin, and voice as well as a Spanish-style opera form
known as the zarzuela. He is best known for his poignantly romantic serenade for
violin and piano. Molina’s most familiar composition is Hatinggabi, a serenade for
solo violin and piano accompaniment. Other works are Misa Antoniana Grand
Festival Mass (orchestral music), Ang Batingaw (Kundiman- Kundangan), Hating
Gabi (chamber music), String Quartet, Kung sa Iyong Gunita (Pandangguhan),
Amihan, Awit ni Maria Clara (vocal music), Larawan Nitong Pilipinas, among others.

Hilarion F. Rubio (1902-1985)

Hilarion F. Rubio was born on October 21,1902 in Cavite. A
composer, music teacher, conductor, and clarinetist, he created
substantial works for the orchestra. He served as conductor for
opera, ballet, dance recitals and movie music. 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
Image:facebook.com
clarinet were with Fr. Amando Buencamino who taught him
solfeggio and some musical instruments.
During the second world war, Rubio composed and arranged many works and
conducted many military and civilian brass bands. After the war, he was appointed
conductor of the Manila Municipal Symphony Orchestra.
Rubio’s compositions include: Bulaklaken, Theme and Variations for Band,
Dance of the Nymphs Rondo, Florente 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 Salamisim.

7
Colonel Antonino R. Buenaventura (1904-1996)
National Artist for Music

Col. Antonino R. Buenaventura was born on May 4, 1904

in Bulacan. He is a renowned composer, conductor, and teacher.
As a boy, he had already demonstrated a passion for music while
learning the rudiments of music and solfeggio and becoming a
proficient clarinet player. Buenaventura composed songs,
compositions, for solo instruments as well as symphonic and
orchestral works based on the folksongs of various Philippine
Image:ncca.gov.ph
ethnic groups. Buenaventura was actively involved with various
military bands which ultimately earned him his military rank of Colonel. He restored
the Philippine Constabulary Band in 1945, which was reputedly likened to a
symphony orchestra, and was considered “one of the best military bands in the
world.”
His compositions include several marches such as the “Triumphal March,”
“Echoes of the Past,” “History Fantasy,” Second Symphony in E-flat, “Echoes from
the Philippines,” and “Ode to Freedom.” His orchestral music compositions include
Concert Overture, Prelude and Fugue in G Minor, Philippines Triumphant, Mindanao
Sketches, Symphony in C Major, among others.

DR. RODOLFO S. CORNEJO (1909-1991)

Dr. Rodolfo S. Cornejo was born on May 15, 1909 in

Manila. He started his formal music lessons at the age of six
and performed on stage after only two years of music studies.
His first composition at age 10 was a piano piece entitled
Glissando Waltz. It was followed three years later by a military
march entitled Salute. At the age of 14, Cornejo already had 26
compositions. Image:flickr.com

Cornejo taught at the UP Conservatory of Music and in

1941 was appointed by then President Manuel L. Quezon as the researcher and
official composer of the Philippine government-in-exile. He was the soloist of the
Manila Symphony Orchestra, The Filipinas Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the UP
Symphony Orchestra. Later, he became the musical director of the Sampaguita and
Vera-Perez movie companies. Cornejo was the founding member of the “League of
Filipino Composers” and is listed in “The International Who’s Who in Music.” He was
also known for his extemporaneous thematic improvisations based on the letters of
people’s names. He wrote over 300 compositions. These ranged from classical to
pop. His major works include The Season - Song Cycle (1932), A La Juventud
Filipina (1935), Philippine Symphony No. 1 (1939), No.2 (1942), and No. 3 (1947) all

8
for piano solo; Oriental Fantasy (1944) and Philippine Fantasy with Marimba Solo
(1962). He also wrote a musical A Glimpse of Philippine Life and Culture, which
premiered at the Seattle Opera House in 1978.

FELIPE P. DE LEON SR. (1912-1992)

National Artist for Music

Felipe Padilla de Leon was born on May 1, 1912 in Barrio

Papaya (now General Tinio) in Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija. De
Leon’s talent in painting and drawing was discovered during his
school days. People asked him to make illustrations and sketches
and was paid for them. He took up Fine Arts at the University of
the Philippines in 1927, but he had to stop schooling in order to
make a living. He played the trombone in dance orchestras which
Image:facebook.com performed in cabarets, circuses and bodabil (vaudeville). Then, he
worked as an assistant conductor of the Nueva Ecija High School
Orchestra. He decided to study formally and enrolled at the Conservatory of Music,
University of started doing musical arrangements. Later, he wrote music for the
zarzuela.
De Leon wrote piano compositions, hymns, marches, art songs, chamber
music, symphonic poems, overtures, band music, school songs, orchestral works,
operas, kundiman, and zarzuelas. He was 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). These two operas have been staged in the Philippines and
abroad. 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. Felipe de Leon received a posthumous award as National
Artist for Music in 1997.

LUCIO D. SAN PEDRO (1913-2002)

National Artist for Music
Lucio San Pedro was born on February11,1913 in
Angono, Rizal. Since his elementary days, he started
composing. He studied the banjo which inspired him to become
a serious musician. He later pursued his music degree at the
University of the Philippines and the Juilliard School in New
York, USA. Upon returning to the Philippines, he became a Image:philstar.com
professor of theory and composition at the University of the
Philippines’ College of Music. San Pedro is known as a “romantic nationalist.” He
incorporated Philippine folk elements in his compositions 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

9
chorus. His works for the symphonic band was where he was most prolific and
productive both as composer and conductor.

ROSENDO E. SANTO JR. (1922-1994)

Rosendo E. S a n t o s J r. was born on 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. As a UNESCO scholar, Santos was awarded
the “Philippine Composer of the Century” after receiving the
Image:rosendosantos.co “Composer of the Year Award” in Manila in 1956 and 1957.
m
He performed as timpanist, pianist, and conductor with several
orchestral groups.
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.
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, was performed in 1995, a year after his death.

ALFREDO S. BUENAVENTURA (born 1929)

Alfredo Santos Buenaventura, composer, conductor and

teacher, was born in Sta. Maria, Bulacan on October 14, 1929.
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
Image:radlontoc.blogspot.com
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. Several 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

10
ng Barangay (1964), three piano concertos subtitled Celebration, Determination, and
Exultation, and symphonies such as Dakilang Lahi (1971), Gomburza (1981), and
Rizal, the Great Malayan Antagonist (1990). His minor works numbering more than
50 cover mostly religious songs and hymns for specific celebrations such as the
Sixteenth Centenary of St. Augustine, Mass for the 400th Year of the Augustinian
Recollect, and the Philippine Music Festival. His other creative musical works have
been commissioned by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Metropolitan Theater,
and the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA).
Buenaventura’s compositional style rests mainly on his own set of musical
ideas, wherein he creates a combination of contemporary and conventional
materials. He keeps his melodies simple and understandable but with contemporary
harmonies that enhance their complexity. He received a number of awards in the
music industry. He was twice an awardee of the Republic Cultural Heritage Award
and The Outstanding Filipino Award (TOFIL) for Music in 1995.

CIPRIANO “RYAN” P. CAYABYAB (born 1954)

Ryan Cayabyab is a popular contemporary composer

who also has classical compositions to his credit, such as Misa,
Four Poems for Soprano and Piano, and Te Deum. His
compositional style makes much use of syncopation, extended
chords, and chromatic harmony.
Image:facebook.com Among his 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. He also produced
several recordings including the memorable album One, where he personally sang
the unaccompanied songs on different tracks to produce 16 voices.
Cayabyab was born on May 4, 1954 in Manila. He obtained his Bachelor of
Music degree at the University of the Philippines’ College of Music. At present, he
continues to be a much sought-after professor, musical director, composer, arranger,
and conductor in the Philippine concert and recording scenes.

11
 NEW MUSIC COMPOSERS
These composers retained the Filipino spirit by incorporating traditional music forms
as well as indigenous rhythms and instruments in their compositions.

JOSE M. MACEDA (1917 – 2004)

National Artist for Music

Jose Maceda was born in Manila on January 17,1917. He

started his music studies at the Academy of Music in Manila. Later,
he went to Paris to study with Alfred Cortot. He eventually pursued
advanced studies in the USA with E.Robert Schmitz and earned a
Doctorate Degree in Ethnomusicology from UCLA.
Maceda’s musical style changed when he encountered the
Image:kahimyang.com music of the indigenous tribes of Mindoro in 1953.He then
embarked on his life’s work, dedicated to the understanding and preservation of
Filipino traditional music. His extensive research and fieldwork resulted in an
immense collection of recorded music taken from the remote mountain villages and
far-flung inland communities in the Philippines. Although his compositional approach
tended to be Western in style, Maceda combined sounds of the environment with
ethnic instruments. His compositions were usually for large groups of musicians.
Among his works are Ugma-Ugma (1963), a work for voice and ethnic instruments;
Agungan(1975), a piece for six gong families; Pagsamba (1968), a musical ritual for
a circular auditorium using several ethnic percussion instruments; Cassettes 100
(1971), a composition for 100 cassette tape recorders; and Ugnayan (1974), an
ethnic piece played at the same time over several radio stations.
Considered as the first Filipino avant garde composer, he also worked at a
recording studio in Paris in 1958 which specialized in musique concrète. He was
conferred the honor of National Artist for Music in 1997.

LUCRECIA R. KASILAG (1918 – 2008)

National Artist for Music

Lucrecia R. Kasilag was born in San Fernando, La Union

on August 31, 1918. She went to Manila to pursue a degree in
Music at the Philippine Women’s University. Kasilag’s
compositions demonstrated a fusion of Eastern and Western
styles in using instruments, melody, harmony, and rhythm. She is
particularly known for incorporating indigenous Filipino
Image:ateneobluesound.
instruments into orchestral productions. wixsite.com
Among Kasilag’s many compositions are Toccata for
Percussion and Winds (1959), composed for indigenous Muslim instruments and
Western instruments; The Legend of the Sarimanok(1963), composed for chamber
orchestra and Philippine ethnic instruments; Divertissement and Concertante (1960),

12
compositions for piano and orchestra combining Western and Eastern forms,
harmonies, and intervals; and Dularawan (1969), a musical drama combining a
dance solo with a chorus and an ethnic orchestra. Her other works include
compositions for piano, instrumental ensemble, and chorus.
She is credited for having written more than 200 musical works, ranging from
folksongs to opera to orchestral works, which she continued to compose for the rest
of her life. For all these outstanding achievements, she was conferred the title of
National Artist for Music in 1989.

RAMON P. SANTOS (born 1941)

National Artist for Music

Ramon P. Santos was born in Pasig on February 25, 1941. He

completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the College of Music,
University of the Philippines. He had also pursued graduate studies
in Ethno musicology at the University of Illinois, USA.
Santos’ compositional style features chromaticism, music seria, and
electronic components, combined with indigenous Philippine music
Image:wikipedia.com
elements. His works include Ding Ding Nga Diyawa, Nabasag na
Banga at Iba’t iba pang Pinag-ugpong-ugpong na Pananalita sa Wikang Pilipino para
sa Labing Anim na Tinig, and L’BAD. He had done extensive research on the
gamelan music of Java as well as the traditional music of the Ibaloi, Maranao,
Mansaka, Bontoc, Yakan, and Boholano tribes in the Philippines. He was conferred
the title of National Artist for Music in 2014.

FR. MANUEL P. MARAMBA, OSB (1936 - 2020)

Fr. Manuel Perez Maramba, OSB is one of the most

accomplished musicians and liturgists in the Philippines
emerging during the second half of the 20th century. He
was born on July 4, 1936 in Pangasinan.When he was 11
years old, he gave his first public performance at the Image:clericalwhispers.blogspot.com
Bamboo Organ in Las Piñas. He became the official
accompanist of the Las Piñas Boys Choir at 14 years old. He was the youngest
finalist to participate in the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA)
piano competition in 1978.
After finishing his Bachelor of Music degree major in Piano at the
Conservatory of Music in the University of Sto.Tomas (UST), he pursued his studies
abroad where he received his Master of Music degree, Artist Diploma, Bachelor of
Music degree in Composition, and Teacher’s Certificate in Theory from the Peabody
Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, USA. He also studied sacred music at the
Kirchenmusikschule in Regensburg, Germany. He took further lessons in piano,
organ, and the harpsichord at the Hochschule fur Musik in Vienna, Austria.
He has composed operas like Aba!, Sto. Nino, La Naval, and Lord Takayama
Ukon. His other major compositions are the music for Awakening which was
commissioned by Ballet Philippines and music for Philippine Ballet Theater’s

13
production of Seven Mansions; three masses – Papal Mass for World Youth Day,
1995; Mass in Honor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and the Mass in Honor of the Sto.Nino;
three 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; a zarzuela entitled Ang Sarswela sa San Salvador, and three
orchestral works – Pugad Lawin, The Virgin of Naval, and Transfiguration.

JERRY A. DADAP (born 1935)

Jerry Dadap, the first Filipino composer to conduct his

own works at the Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City,
was born on November 5, 1935 in Hinunangan, Southern
Leyte. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Music, major in
Composition at the Conservatory of Music, University of the
Image:pressreader.com: Philippines (UP) in 1964. In 1971, he taught composition,
ear training, and orchestration at the Sta. Isabel College of
Music in Manila.
Dadap started composing when he was still studying at Silliman University in
the southern city of Dumaguete. Among his numerous compositions are The
Passionate and the Wild, Andres Bonifacio, Ang Dakilang Anak Pawis, Ang Pag-ibig
ng Diyos, Balitaw Nos. 1-7, Lam- ang Epic, Lorenzo Ruiz, Chorale Symphonic Ode
Nos. 1 and 2, Aniway at Tomaneg, Song Cycle Nos. 1-4, Choral Cycle Nos. 1-3,
Diyos Ama ay Purihin, and Tubig ng Buhay (1986).His major works as composer-
conductor were performed at the concert “LAHI” that featured works by local major
composers.
FRANCISCO F. FELICIANO (1942 – 2014)
National Artist for Music

Francisco F. Feliciano, avant garde composer and

conductor for band and chorus, was born on February 19, 1942
in Morong, Rizal. He started his music career in the high school
band where he had played the cymbals and the clarinet.
Feliciano obtained his Teacher’s Diploma in Composition and
Conducting at the Conservatory of Music, University of the
Philippines (UP) in 1964, and a Bachelor of Music degree major
in Composition in 1967.
Feliciano was the musical director of the movie Ang Image:ncca.org.ph

Bukas ay Atin and provided orchestration for several musical productions including
My Fair Lady and various Philippine productions. He composed more than 30 major
works, including the musical dramas Sikhay sa Kabila ng Paalam, Ashen Wings, and
the monumental three-act opera La Loba Negra (1984). He also wrote music for the
orchestra such as Prelude and Toccata(1973), Fragments(1976), Life of Wartime
Filipino Hero Jose Abad Santos, and the ballet Yerma (1982).
Among his other large works are Transfiguration and Missa Mysterium for
orchestra and large chorus. He has composed several prize - winning works such as
Pokpok Alimpako, (a favorite piece of choirs in international choral competitions),

14
Salimbayan, Umiinog, and Walang Tinag (Perpetuum Immobile) which was
premiered at the ISCM Festival in New York City, USA. His latest choral works,
Pamugúnand and Restless, have been performed by Filipino choirs in various choral
festivals in Europe. In 1977, he was given a John D. Rockefeller III Award in Music
Composition.
Feliciano composed hundreds of liturgical pieces, mass settings, hymns, and
songs for worship. He founded the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music (AILM) in
Quezon City, a school for church musicians, and supervised the publication of a new
Asian hymnal containing mostly works of Asian composers. He was conferred the
title of National Artist for Music in 2014.

JOSEFINO J. TOLEDO (born 1959)

Josefino “Chino” Toledo was born on March 6, 1959 in

Manila. He is a recognized figure in the Asian contemporary
art music scene. He received his Master of Music degree
from the Cleveland Institute of Music, USA. Toledo served at
the Pangkat Kawayan (a bamboo orchestra) from 1966 to
1979 and the Philippine Youth Orchestra (PYO) in 1977-
1978. A principal percussionist of the Manila Symphony
IImage:prabook.com
Orchestra in 1980-1983, he later became music director and
principal conductor in 1985. He attended the 1984 International Computer Music
Conference in France. He was the country’s representative to the 1980 Young
Composers Conference in Hongkong, the ASEAN Composers Forum on Traditional
Music in 1989 (Philippines) and 1993 (Singapore), the 1995 ASEAN Composers
Workshop (Indonesia), and the 1996 International Composers Workshop
(Gaudeamus, Amsterdam). He was also a fellow at the 1990 Pacific Music Festival
and Pacific Composers Conference (Japan).
Toledo is a Music Professor at the College of Music, University of the
Philippines (UP). He is the founding music director of the Metro Manila Community
Orchestra, the UP Festival Orchestra, and the Crosswave Symphony Orchestra. He
is noted for conducting the premiere performances of the works of Filipino
composers as well as other Asian composers. His music, including works for chorus,
orchestra, chamber ensemble, solo instrument, and music theater have been
performed by well-known international artists and ensembles.

JONAS BAES (born 1961)

Jonas Baes was born in Los Baños, Laguna in 1961.

He enrolled at the College of Music, University of the
Philippines (UP) in 1977 as a student of Ramon P. Santos.
While at UP, he encountered the works of Jose Maceda and
attended several seminar-workshops of visiting lecturers. He
researched on the music of the Iraya-Mangyan people of
Mindoro, which later became the inspiration for his
Image: music.upd.edu.ph
compositions.

15
 Baes 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 scrapers, bamboo flutes, and vocal music using Asian vocal techniques. His
early works in the 1980s were influenced by Maceda in the use of large numbers of
performers. In the 1990s, he experimented with various methods by which the
audience became integral in the performance. It was also typical for social theory to
influence the work of Baes who has made a mark on contemporary music and
cultural politics in the Asian region.
Some of Baes’ musical compositions include:
 Pantawag (music for calling people) for 15 bamboo scrapers, 15 palm leaves,
and 20 muffled “forest” voices (1981);
 Basbasan (blessing) for 20 bean-pod rattles and 20 muffled men’s voices
(1983).
 Daluy (Flow)interval music for five animator-percussionists and about a
hundred bird whistles distributed among the audience (1994);
 Ibo-Ibon (birdwoman) for dancer wearing small bells, two large wind chimes
passed around the audience, four animator callers, and iron nail chimes
played by the audience (1996);
 Imagined Community, after Benedict Anderson for four bamboo scrapers,
bamui trail caller, sarunai for oboe, khaen for mouth organ, and about a
hundred iron nail chimes distributed among the audience (1997/2001);
 Wala (Nothingness) for seven or hundreds of men’s voices (1997/2001);
 Patangisbuwaya (and the crocodile weeps) for four sub-contrabass recorders
or any blown instruments (2003); and
 Salaysay, for solo voice, three percussionists, and pairs of pebbles
distributed among the audience

What’s More
Activity 1: Listening Activity
In this activity, you will listen and analyze compositions from Traditional and New
Music composers. After listening, complete the table by writing the name of the
composer and musical style. The youtube links are provided for your reference of the
compositions.

COMPOSITION COMPOSER DESCRIPTION OF THE

COMPOSITION
Pilipinas Kong Mahal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
RAjHJ65cAh8
Sa Ugoy ng Duyan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
29FxP-5BJZM

16
 Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
5qOXswMq7wA
Toccata for Percussion and
Winds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=uW6xhD3c3XE
Patangis-Buwaya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
PRljg_jln60

Activity 2: Match the composition (Column A) with the composer (Column B). Write
your answer on the space provided before the number. CAPITAL LETTERS ONLY.
Column A Column B
___1. Aba, Sto. Niño A. Abelardo
___2. Ang Batingaw B. Feliciano
___3. Ang Dakilang Anak Pawis C. Maramba
___4. Ding Ding Nga Diyawa D. Santiago
___5. Florante at Laura E. San Pedro
___6. Himig ng Nayon F. Cayabyab
___7. Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika G. Molina
___8. Mutya ng Pasig H. Baes
___9. Pakiusap I. Dadap
___10. Pantawag J. Santos
___11. Prinsesa Urduha K. Buenaventura
___12. Sarimanok L. Rubio
___13. Ugma-Ugma M. Buencamino Sr.
___14. Ugoy ng Duyan N. Maceda
___15. Walang Tinag O. Kasilag

What I Have Learned

Complete the sentences below. Write your answers on the space provided.
1. Contemporary music can be described as _______________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

17
2. By listening to the different compositions of traditional and new music composers I
realized that _______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

What I Can Do
It’s your time to apply what you have learned and showcase your talents. Choose
one composition from any of the traditional and new music composers. Sing it and
film your performance using your cellphone. It can be in an A Capella or with
accompaniment (live or canned). You may perform as a soloist or invite your family
members to perform with you. Submit your output to your teacher through social
media like Messenger or Email. If online submission is not possible, you may submit
your outputs through CD or flash drive. Don’t forget to write your name, subject and
the name of your teacher.

Rubrics for Singing Performance

Criteria Very Good Good Fair Poor

(10) (9) (8) (7)
Pitch Sings the entire Sings the Sings the Sings the
accuracy Song with entire song entire song entire song
correct with almost with some with no correct
pitch/tune. correct correct pitch/tune.
pitch/tune. pitch/tune.
Timing All entrances Almost all Some of the No correct
and timing are entrances and entrances timing at all.
correct. timing is and
correct. timing is
correct.
Voice It is very It is okay to It is not so It is not
Quality pleasant to hear. good to hear. pleasant to
hear. hear.
Showmanship Impressive and Satisfying Not so No energy and
energetic energy and impressive presence at all
performance. presence. and
. lacks
presence.

18
 Post Assessment
Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of your answer from the options given. Write
your answer on the space provided before each number.
____1. First Filipino composer to conduct at the Carnegie Recital Hall in New York
City.
a. Fr. Manuel P. Maramba c. Levi Celerio
b. Santiago Suarez d. Jerry A. Dadap
____2. A composer known for being a “romantic nationalist”
a. Lucio D. San Pedro c. Francisco B. Buencamino Sr.
b. Alfredo S. Buenaventura d. Rodolfo S. Cornejo
____3. A National Artist for Music whose compositional style features chromaticism,
music seria and electronic components combined with indigenous Philippine
music elements.
a. Jonas Baes c. Josefino J. Toledo
b. Ramon P. Santos d. Lucrecia R. Kasilag
____4. A National Artist for Music known for his two operas, Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo.
a. Felipe P. De Leon Sr. c. Col. Antonino R. Buenaventura
b. Rosendo E. Santos Jr. d. Alfredo S. Buenaventura
____5. Considered as the first Filipino avant garde composer
a. Jose M. Maceda c. Jerry A. Dadap
b. Lucrecia R. Kasilag d. Ramon P. Santos
____6. Conferred the title of National Artist for Music in 2014.
a. Josefino J. Toledo. c. Jonas Baes
b. Francisco F. Feliciano d. Angel M. Peña
____7. A National Artist for Music who is particularly known for incorporating
indigenous Filipino instruments into orchestral productions
a. Fr. Manuel P. Maramba c. Ramon P. Santos
b. Lucrecia R. Kasilag d. Francisco F. Feliciano
____8. Refers to compositions that have adopted ideas and elements from 20 th
century art music of the West and the latest trends and musical styles in the
entertainment industry
a. Classical music c. Alternative music
b. Popular music d. Contemporary music
____9. Known as the “Father of the Kundiman”
a. Nicanor S. Abelardo c. Hilarion F. Rubio
b. Francisco S. Santiago d. Ryan Cayabyab

____10. A recognized figure in the Asian contemporary art music scene.

a. Francisco F. Feliciano c. Josefino J. Toledo
b. Jonas Baes d. Jerry A. Dadap
____11. His compositional style makes much use of syncopation, extended chords,
and chromatic harmony.
a. George M. Canseco c. Cipriano P. Cayabyab

19
 b. Alfredo S. Buenaventura d. Rosendo E. Santas Jr.

____12. One of the most accomplished musician and liturgist in the Philippines
during the second half of the 20th century
a. Ramon P. Santos c. Jose M. Maceda
b. Francisco F. Feliciano d. Fr. Manuel P. Maramba
____13. The last of the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers”.
a. Antonio J. Molina c. Ernani J. Cuenco
b. Hilarion F. Rubio d. Francisco B. Buencamino Sr.
____14. Known for writing music utilizing unorthodox musical instruments.
a. Josefino J. Toledo c. Constancio C. De Guzman
b. Francisco F. Feliciano d. Jonas Baes
____15. These are compositions which are considered as improvisational works
a. Traditional music c. New music
b. Contemporary music d. Classical music

20
 21
What I Know
1. D 6. A 11. D
2. C 7. B 12. D
3.B 8. B 13. C
4. A 9. C 14. A
5. A 10. D 15. B
What’s New
1. Santos 11. Feliciano
2. Rubio 12. Santiago
3. Toledo 13. Abelardo
4. Santos Jr. 14. De Leon Sr.
5. San Pedro 15. Maceda
6. Buenaventura 16. Dadap
7. Molina 17. Buencamino Sr.
8. Col. Buenaventura 18. Maramba
9. Kasilag 19. Baes
10. Cornejo 20. Cayabyab
What’s More
Activity 1 Activity 2
1. Francisco Santiago 1. C 6. M 11. K
2. Lucio D. San Pedro 2. G 7. F 12. O
3. Cipriano “Ryan” Cayabyab 3. I 8. A 13. N
4. Lucresia R. Kasilag 4. J 9. D 14. E
5. Jonas Baes 5. L 10. H 15. B
Post – Assessment
1. D 6. B 11. C
2. A 7. B 12. D
3. B 8. D 13. A
4. A 9. B 14. D
5. A 10. C 15. C
Answer Key
References:
Sunico, R.M., Cabanban, E.F., Moran, M.Y., Horizons Music and Arts Appreciation
for Young Filipinos Grade 10 Learner’s Material. Tawid Publication, 2015

Filipinas Heritage Library, 2018. Retrieved from:

https://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph/himig/
featured-artist-francisco buencamino

https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/905/today-in-philippine-history-january-
29-1889-francisco-santiago-was-born-in-santa-maria-bulacan
http://gwhs-stg02.i.gov.ph/~s2govnccaph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-
profile/national-artists-of-the-philippines/
“Art Music in the Philippines in the Twentieth Century”, The Garland Encyclopedia of
World Music: Southeast Asia. Sean Williams and Terry Miller, (eds.) New York and
London: Garland Publishing Company, 1998
cover photo: https://hochstein.org/Music/Music-Theory-History/Music-Hi
story-Survey

22
23