Understanding Contemporary Philippine Music

Contemporary Music- also known as “New Music” pertains to compositions that have adopted on 20 th
century western music as well as the latest trends and musical

: Forms include in in traditional Philippine music

1. Ethnic – instruments used is Gong

2. Hispanic – instruments used is Rondalla
3. Filipino – way of performing is theatrical
4. Korido – story making

Filipino Traditional Music Instruments

1. Kudlung – two stringed lute made of wood

2. Kudyapi – two stringed, boat-shaped lute
3. Serongagandi – Decorated bamboo tube; closed by anode at both ends
4. Sludoy- tube made of bamboo with five strings cut from the tube
5. Afiw – brass instrument horizontally held by the tongue in front of the opened mouth
6. Balingbing – bamboo buzzer

Filipino Composers of Contemporary Music and their Compositions

1. Antonio Jesus Molina ( December 26, 1894 – January 29, 1980)

- He composed “MATINAL “ In 1912
- Was the fisrt Filipino composer who was invited to perform at the Malacañang
Compositions:
- Hatinggabi - Anna Maria - Ang Batingaw
- Malikmata - Misa Antoniana
2. Alfredo Santos Buenaventura (October 14, 1929)
- A conductor as well as a music education teacher, based his compositions on epics, legends,
and local heroes.
Compositions:
- Maria Makiling (1961) - Prinsesa Urduha (1969) - Pasko ng Barangay (1964)
- Ang ating watawat (1965) - Gomburza (1981)
3. Lucrecia Roces Kasilag (August 31, 1917- August 16, 2008
- Was known for being instrumental to the development of Philippine music and culture
- She was also acknowledge for her having incorporated traditional music in her work.
Compositions:
- April Morning (1941) - Filisiana (1965) - elegy on mt. apo (1991)
- Legend of the Sarimanok (1963) - Dalarawan (1969)

4. Ryan Cayabyab (May 4, 1954)

- Excels as a composer of electric, modern, and popular music
- Was awarded in 1978 as one of TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men) of the Philippines
Compositions:
- Major Opera - Full-length ballets - Choral Pieces - Popular Love Songs