MUSIC 10

QUARTER 3
Philippine Contemporary Music
Week 1-2

What do I need to know?

After going through this module, you must be able to:
• narrate the life of selected contemporary Filipino composers
• analyze the musical characteristics of traditional and contemporary Philippine music
• perform selections of contemporary Philippine music
• evaluate music and music performances using guided rubrics

Pre-test
Identify the concept being described by unscrambling the letters written before each item. Write your
answers in your answer sheet.

TRA UMSIC 1. The new Western music styles created during the 20th century, which
influenced Philippine contemporary music.
NIOTIMPROVISA 2. In music, it means “to make, to invent, or to arrange music offhand”, a
characteristic of new music in the Philippines.
NIOTCOLONIZA 3. The invasion of the Philippines by Spain and the United States, which
influenced Filipino compositions.
NOUSINDIGE THMRHY 4. An element incorporated in traditional music forms used by Filipino composers
of the new music genre.
SICMU SIDIMO 5. A term used to describe musical ideas presented using symbolisms and
unusual elements.

I Introduction
What’s in?
Philippine contemporary music is often described as music which has adopted ideas from 20th century art
music in the West, as well as the latest trends and styles in the entertainment industry, according to Ramos
Santos, PhD, National Artist. These art music styles influenced Filipino composers in creating music that is
filled with symbolisms and expressions. Examples of the said art music styles are Impressionism,
Expressionism, Neo-classicism, and Avant-Garde.
Philippine contemporary music also features experimentation with new music ideas, non-Western musical
instruments, and indigenous rhythms, as reflected in the improvisational works of new music Filipino
composers.
Claude Debussy, the pioneer of Impressionist music in the West, greatly influenced the work of Filipino
composers in the 20th century. His textural colors – the use of slightly dissonant melodies and elaborate
harmonies, were evident in their works. Other Filipino composers also created works which featured the
dissonance that can be observed in Expressionism.
Colonization also made an impact in Philippine contemporary music. The influence of Spain and the United
States were also evident in the works of Filipino composers. However, they were still able to retain the
traditional elements in their compositions as they adopt these musical ideas, making their works the foundation
of the Philippine music that we have today.

D Development
What is it?
Philippine contemporary music can be classified into three: Classical, Semi-classical, and Popular.
Classical music refers to Filipino compositions that combine traditional concepts and experimental
techniques. These compositions also feature the characteristics of Western art music like Impressionism and
Expressionism. Mayon Fantasy, a piano composition by Francisco Buencamino Sr., is an example of Classical
music. Buencamino used the Visayan folk song Condansoy as its main theme. Buencamino employed
Impressionist techniques such as the use of melodic suggestions and mild dissonances in depicting the life of
the community surrounding the Mayon Volcano. The second section somehow suggests the eruption of the
majestic volcano.

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 Semi-classical music refers to stylized folk songs, music for theater and ballads. Choral arrangements
of traditional folk songs like Paruparong Bukid, features a wide range of melody, elaborate harmony, and
comical expressions.
Lastly, Popular music refers to music created during the latter part of the 20th century. These
compositions were influenced by the latest trends in entertainment and culture during that time. Pinoy Ballads,
Pinoy Rock, Pinoy Disco, Manila Sound, Pinoy Folk, Pinoy Rap, Pinoy Jazz and Novelty Songs belong to this
category.

CONTEMPORARY FILIPINO COMPOSERS

Philippine contemporary music composers can also be categorized into three: Traditional, New Music,
and Song Composers.

Traditional Composers
Traditional Filipino composers are the pioneers in combining traditional techniques with modern
methods of compositions. Their works feature the combination of Filipino ideas and themes with Western
compositional techniques. The concepts of Western art music were also adopted in their works. The usual
themes of their compositions focus on the culture and beauty of the Philippines. Some of the said composers
are:

Francisco Santiago (1889-1947)

• Known as the “Father of Kundiman”, a genre of traditional Filipino love songs with
melodies that are characterized by a smooth, flowing, and gentle rhythm
• Romantic style of writing; combined Western and folk materials
• Notable works: Pakiusap, Madaling-Araw, Kundiman (Anak—Dalita)

Nicanor Abelardo (1893-1934)

• one of the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers” (which includes F. Santiago and A.J.
Molina), the first three composers who were given scholarships to study music in the
United States. Later, they taught music in the universities in the Philippines.
• Romantic writing style, with hazy tones, dissonance, and unusual chordal combinations
• Notable works: Nasaan Ka Irog? Mutya ng Pasig, Magbalik Ka Hirang

Antonio J. Molina (1894-1980)

National Artist for Music
• Romantic and Impressionist writing style
• fascinated by the dynamics and harmonies of Debussy, but retained much of the
Romantic style in his melody
• His works feature exotic chords, lyrical melodies, and traditional harmonies
• Notable works: Malikmata, Hatinggabi, Pandangguhan

New Music Composers

New music composers focused on improvising and experimenting on different musical elements and
ideas. They incorporated traditional music forms, indigenous rhythms, and instruments in their compositions.
They also experimented on using non-Western instruments like gongs in their works. Through these concepts,
they were able to retain the Filipino spirit while adopting Western music ideas. They were also considered as
Avant-garde Filipino composers. Some of the said composers are:

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 Jose Maceda (1917-2004)
National Artist for Music
• earned a Doctorate Degree in Ethnomusicology from UCLA
• His musical style changed when he encountered the music of the indigenous tribes of
Mindoro in 1953.
• dedicated his life to the understanding and preservation of Filipino traditional music
• His extensive research resulted to a vast collection of recorded music taken from the
remote mountain villages and far-flung inland communities in the Philippines.
• considered as the first Filipino avant-garde composer, who also worked at a recording
studio in Paris in 1958 which specialized in musique concrete – concrete music;
compositions made of recorded natural sounds from the environment
• Notable works: Udlot-Udlot, Agungan, Pagsamba, Cassettes 100, Ugnayan

Lucresia R. Kasilag (1918-2008)

National Artist for Music
• obtained her master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music in New York, USA
• compositions were influenced by her professors Irving McHose and Wayne Barlow
• compositions demonstrated a fusion between Eastern and Western styles using
instruments, melody, harmony, and rhythm
• known for incorporating indigenous Filipino instruments in her orchestral works
• Notable works: Toccata for Percussion and Winds, The Legend of the Sarimanok,
Divertissement and Concertante, Dularawan

Ramon P. Santos (1941 - )

National Artist for Music
• foremost exponent of Filipino contemporary music
• contributed greatly to the quest for new directions in music, based on non-Western
traditions in the Philippines and Southeast Asia
• his works showed his interests in open-ended structures, environmental works, non-
conventional instruments, and the incorporation of natural forces in sound-creating tasks
• researched and documented music from folk religious groups of Quezon, and the music
of the Ibaloi of Northern Luzon
• He translated indigenous musical systems into modern music discourse
• Notable works: Panaghoy, 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

Song Composers
The Filipino composers of the 20th century under this category are known to have produced memorable
traditional Filipino love songs, music for the movies, and materials for contemporary arrangements and concert
performances. Some of the said composers are:

Levi Celerio (1910-2002)

National Artist for Literature and Music
• prolific lyricist and composer
• a violinist, he had written the lyrics for over 4,000 songs in his lifetime, including many
for film
• He effortlessly translated/wrote anew the lyrics to traditional melodies:Maliwanag na
Buwan (Ilocos), Ako ay may Singsing (Pampanga), Alibangbang (Visayas)
• His achievements include a citation in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the
only person to make music with a mouth-blown leaf.
• Notable works: Ang Pipit (Music by Lucio San Pedro), Bagong Pagsilang (Music by
Felipe P. De Leon), Sa Ugoy ng Duyan (Music by Lucio San Pedro)

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 Ernani J. Cuenco (1936-1988)
National Artist for Music
• a seasoned musician, composer, film scorer, musical director, and music teacher
• His works embody a Filipino sense of musicality that contain the classical sound of the
kundiman.
• He wrote an outstanding and memorable body of works that resonate with the Filipino
sense of musicality.
• Notable works: Gaano Kita Kamahal, Nahan, Kahit na Magtiis, Inang Bayan, Kalesa

Ryan Cayabyab (1954 - )

National Artist for Music
• the most accomplished composer, arranger, and musical director in the Philippine music
industry since this bloomed beginning 1970s
• His musical style spans a wide range of genres: from conservatory or art compositions to
mainstream popular idioms in the music industry and in live contemporary multimedia
shows
• His compositions reflect a perspective of music that extols the exuberance of life and
human happiness.
▪ Notable Works: Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Spoliarium (Opera), Da Coconut Nut,
Paraiso

E Engagement
What is more?
Learning Task 1: Getting to know our Filipino Composers
Discover who our distinguished Filipino composers are by copying and filling-out the table below in your
answer sheet. 25 points.

Name of Composer Known For Music Style Notable Works

National Artist for Music Wide range of genre Kay Ganda ng Ating
Example given: Most accomplished Compositions reflect the Musika
Ryan Cayabyab composer in Philippine greatness of life and Paraiso
Music since 1970s human happiness Da Coconut Nut
1. Francisco Santiago

2. Ramon P. Santos

3. Levi Celerio

4. Antonio J. Molina

5. Nicanor Abelardo

Learning Task 2: Sound On: Philippine Contemporary Music

Access the internet and listen to the following selections of Philippine Contemporary Music. Use the
listening guide below to describe each music sample based on its elements. 30 points

Listening Guide
Use the words under each category to describe each music sample. Use as many words from each list
for each category, as necessary.

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 Element Melody Harmony Rhythm Tempo Texture

Monophonic (one
melody,solo)
Simple/
Complex Simple/ Homophonic (one
Simple/
Complex main melody with
Complex
Staccato (sounds accompaniment)
Slow
cut short or Harmonic (pleasant
Off-beat/On-
Descriptive apart)/ blending)/ Polyphonic (many
beat Moderate
Words Legato (smooth Disharmonic simultaneous
and connected) (unpleasant blending) melodies)
Regular/ Fast
Irregular
Narrow Monotonic/ Heterophonic
Range/Wide Rich (homophony with
Range occasional
variation of
individual voices

Copy and fill-out the table below:

Note: Do not copy the links.

Song Title Melody Harmony Rhythm Tempo Texture

Example given: Complex Harmonic Simple Moderate Homophonic

Nasaan Ka Irog? Legato Rich Off-beat
Nicanor Abelardo Wide Irregular
range
1. Pakiusap
Francisco Santiago
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5nJn7Dd0K4
2. Ugnayan
Jose Maceda
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSBQygTc7xU
3. Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika
Ryan Cayabyab
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTOMLJmj0Ow

Reflection
After listening to the music samples, copy and answer the following questions in your answer sheet. 15 points

1. How did Philippine contemporary music change over time?

(Paano nagbago ang kontemporaryong musika ng Pilipinas sa pagdaan ng panahon?)

2. How did the composers showed the Filipino culture in their works?
(Paano naipakita ng mga kompositor ang kultura ng Pilipinas sa kanilang mga likha?)

3. With today’s rise of foreign music like KPop, how can we preserve and promote Filipino culture through our
music?
(Sa pag-usbong ng mga musika mula sa dayuhan tulad ng KPop, paano natin mapapanatili at mapapalaganap ang ating kultura sa
pamamagitan ng ating sariling musika?)

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 A Assimilation
What have I learned?
Performance Task: Sing It!
50 points

Procedures

1. Select one composer from the list below:

Levi Celerio
Ernani J. Cuenco
Ryan Cayabyab
George Canseco

2. Choose one song created by your chosen composer (e.g. Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Ryan Cayabyab)

3. Perform your chosen song, alone or with your family. You may use a musical instrument or a minus-one
track as accompaniment.

4. Record an audio/video of your performance for verification and assessment. The duration of the
performance must be at least one minute and thirty seconds, excluding introduction.

5. Submit your audio/video recording through Facebook messenger or e-mail. You may also contact your
teacher if you want to submit your output personally through a flash drive/Shareit.

6. If you do not have a smartphone/or tablet, ask your parent or guardian to rate your performance. Copy the
table below and ask your parent or guardian to check the boxes appropriate for your performance. Your parent
or guardian must sign over their printed name at the bottom of your answer sheet as a proof of your
performance.

Rubric for Assessment

Needs
Excellent Very Good Good
Criteria Improvement
(10 points) (8 points) (6 points)
(4 points)
1. Song choice
Appropriateness to the
capability of the learner
2. Mastery
Voice quality, Lyrics,
Pitch, Rhythm,
Intonation
3. Interpretation of
the song
Expression and
movement
4. Timing
Correct tempo while
singing
5. Dynamics
Appropriate loudness
or softness of sound in
relation with song
expression

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ASSESSMENT

Identify the concept being described in each statement. Choose your answer from the words in the
table below. Write only the letter of your answers in your answer sheet.

A. New music composers F. Claude Debussy

B. Improvisation G. Traditional composers
C. Lucresia R. Kasilag H. Kundiman
D. Indigenous rhythm I. Art music
E. Classical J. Semi-classical

1. In music, it means “to make, to invent, or to arrange music offhand”, a characteristic of new music in the
Philippines.
2. It refers to Filipino compositions that combine traditional concepts and experimental techniques.
3. These Filipino composers focused on improvising and experimenting on different musical elements and
ideas.
4. He is the pioneer of Impressionism, whose textural colors inspired Filipino composers.
5. These Filipino composers are the pioneers in combining traditional techniques with modern methods of
compositions.
6. It is a genre of traditional Filipino love songs with melodies that are characterized by a smooth, flowing, and
gentle rhythm.
7. The new Western music styles created during the 20th century, which influenced Philippine contemporary
music.
8. She is known for incorporating indigenous Filipino instruments in her orchestral works.
9. It refers to stylized folk songs, music for theater and ballads.
10. An element incorporated in traditional music forms used by Filipino composers of the new music genre.

References
Concha, Argie A. et. al. (2016). MAPEH 10. Phoenix Publishing House Inc.
Sunico, Raul M. et. al. (2015). Horizons: Music and Arts Appreciation for Young Filipinos. Grade 10 Learners
Material. Tawid Publications
Copiaco, Hazel P. et. al. (2014). Our World of MAPEH 10. Vibal Group, Inc.
Order of National Artists retrieved from https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/national-
artists-of-the-philippines/
10 Words to Describe Musical Parameters retrieved from http://musicproductionhq.com/words-to-describe-
music-musical-parameters/
All definition of terms is taken from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2021.