Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region I
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF ILOCOS NORTE

MUSIC 10
Quarter 3 – Module 3:
20th Century Traditional and
Contemporary Composers

MELC: Narrates the life of selected contemporary Filipino

composer/s (MU10CM-IIIc-g-3); Analyzes the musical
characteristics of traditional and contemporary
Philippine music (MU10CM-IIIa-h-2)

Prepared by:

RIO DULCE V. DULDULAO

Teacher I
San Nicolas National High School
Music - Grade 10
Share-A-Resource-Program
Quarter 3 – Module 3: 20th Century Traditional and Contemporary Composers
First Edition, 2020
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in
any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for
exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things,
impose as a condition the payment of royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand
names, trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective
copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use
these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors
do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Rio Dulce V. Duldulao

Editor: Arturo A. Cristobal
Reviewers: Edwin C. Padasdao
Lena M. Go
Roland L. Corpuz
Efren Jonicel D. Domingo
Management Team: Joann A. Corpuz
Joye D. Madalipay
Santiago L. Baoec
Jenetrix T. Tumaneng
Gene A. Reginaldo

Division Design & Layout Artist: Thelma R. Sacsac

Printed in the Philippines by ______________________________

Schools Division of Ilocos Norte
Office Address: Brgy. 7B, Giron Street, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Telefax: (077) 771-0960
Telephone No.: (077) 770-5963, (077) 600-2605
E-mail Address: [email protected]
 10
Music
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
20th Century Traditional and
Contemporary Composers
Introductory Message
This Contextualized Learning Module (CLM) is prepared so that you, our dear
learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions,
directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each
lesson with ease.
This CLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.
Pre-test is provided to measure your prior knowledge on the lesson. This will
show you if you need to proceed in completing this module or if you need to ask your
facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson. At the
end of this module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check your learning.
Answer keys are provided for all activities and tests. We trust that you will be honest
in using them.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher is also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can
best help you in your home-based learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part
of this CLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests.
Likewise, read the instructions carefully before performing each task.
If you have any question in using this CLM or any difficulty in answering the
tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.
 What I Need to Know
This module was specifically developed and designed to provide you fun and
meaningful learning experience, with your own time and pace.

At the end of this module, the learners are expected to:

• Narrates the life of selected contemporary Filipino composer/s. (MU10CM-
IIIc-g-3)
• Analyzes the musical characteristics of traditional and contemporary
Philippine music.(MU10CM-IIIa-h-2)

What I Know
Direction: Identify the term being described. Write the letter that corresponds to
your answer in your answer sheet.
1. He is one of the “Triumvirate of Filipino Composers” which includes Antonio
Molina and Francisco Santiago.
a. Nicanor Abelardo c. Rodolfo Cornejo
b. Ryan Cayabyab d. Lucresia Kasilag

2. 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).
a. Nicanor Abelardo c. Rodolfo Cornejo
b. Lucio San Pedro d. Lucresia Kasilag

3. 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.
a. Nicanor Abelardo c. Ryan Cayabyab
b. Rodolfo Cornejo d. Lucresia Kasilag

4. He is known as the “Father of the Kundiman”

a. Francisco Santiago c. Nicanor Abelardo
b. Antonio Molina d. Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco

5. Some of his major works include the operas Maria Makiling, Prinsesa Urduha, Ang
Ating Watawat, Pasko ng Barangay, three piano concertos subtitled Celebration,
Determination, and Exultation, and symphonies such as Dakilang Lahi.
a. Alfredo Buenaventura c. Felipe Padilla De Leon Sr.
b. Rosendo E. Santos Jr. d. Ryan Cayabyab

1
6. He is known as the Father of “Impressionist Artist”
a. Francisco Santiago c. Nicanor Abelardo
b. Antonio Molina d. Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco

7. He composed “Da coconut nut, Kay ganda ng ating musika, kumukutikutitap”

a. Nicanor Abelardo c. Lucresia Kasilag
b. Rodolfo Cornejo d. Ryan Cayabyab

8. His music was Romantic in style, incorporates Western forms and techniques
with folk materials.
a. Francisco Santiago c. Nicanor Abelardo
b. Antonio Molina d. Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco

9. Incorporated Philippine folk elements in his compositions with Western forms

and harmony.
a. Lucresia Kasilag c. Nicanor Abelardo
b. Rodolfo Cornejo d. Lucresia Kasilag

10. One of the most popular and prolific composers in the Philippines.
a. Antonio Molina c. Rosendo E. Santos Jr.
b. Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco d. Ryan Cayabyab

2
 Lesson 20th Century Traditional and
1 Contemporary Composers

Mabuhay ang
Musikang Pinoy! Are
you ready to learn
more? Let’s start!

What’s In
Guess Who?
Directions: Try to recognize the following Filipino music composers. Write your
answers in your paper.
1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

3
 What is New
Listening Activity
1. Choose one song of each composer and listen intently:
A. Antonio Molina - Hatinggabi, Misa Antoniana, Grand Festival
Mass,Ang Batingaw, Kundiman- Kundangan;
String Quartet, Kung sa Iyong Gunita,
Pandangguhan, Amihan, Awit ni Maria Clara,
Larawan Nitong Pilipina

B. Lucio San Pedro - Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, Suite Pastorale, Lahing

Kayumanggi

C. Ryan Cayabyab - Misa, Four Poems for Soprano and Piano, Te Deum,
Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Limang Dipang Tao,
Da Coconut Nut, Alikabok, Spoliarium, Kumukuti-
kutitap

2. After listening, try to recognize the different musical styles of these composers.

3. Analyze each song. Take note of the elements of music present: rhythm, melody,
tempo, dynamics, texture, harmony, form, and timbre.

4. Write your answers in your paper.

What is It
FRANCISCO B. BUENCAMINO SR.
(1883 – 1952)

Francisco Beltran Buencamino Sr. was born on

November 5, 1883 in Bulacan. He was the son of a
musically inclined couple. His father was Fortunato
Buencamino, a church organist and band master. His
mother was Luisa Beltran, anoted singer. He 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. He also created the Buencamino Music Academy
in 1930 where Nicanor Abelardo was one of his students.
Expanding his career, he ventured into musical directing
and scoring, and composing film music for Sampaguita
Pictures, LVN, and Excelsior. Buencamino’s compositions include Harana,

4
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, especiallyMayon, 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
Composer.”

Francisco Santiago
(1889 – 1947)

Francisco Santiago is known as the “Father of the

Kundiman” and belongs to the “Triumvirate of Filipino
Composers.” He finished his music specialization at the
American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, where he
obtained his Doctorate Degree in 1924.

Santiago’s music was Romantic in style,

incorporating Western forms and techniques with folk
materials. He composed several works such as kundiman,
symphonies, piano concertos, and other music pieces for
the piano, violin, and voice.
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. He was
also a musical director for films. Among the films whose music he supervised are
Kundiman, Leron Leron Sinta, Madaling Araw, Manileña, and the movie inspired by
his own composition Pakiusap. He became the first Filipino Director of the UP
Conservatory of Music

NICANOR ABELARDO
(1893 – 1934)

Nicanor Abelardo is one of the “Triumvirate of

Filipino Composers” which includes Antonio Molina and
Francisco Santiago. He studied music at the Chicago
Music College and was influenced by the musical styles of
Schoenberg, Hindemith and Stravinsky. Abelardo
developed a style that combined 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. Although a 20th century modern composer in style.
He is also considered a composer in the Romantic style. His best-known
compositions include Mutya ng Pasig, Nasaan Ka Irog, Cavatina for Violoncello, and
Magbalik Ka Hirang.

5
 MUTYA NG PASIG
Nicanor Abelardo

ANTONIO J. MOLINA
(1894 – 1980)
National Artist for Music

Antonio Molina, the first National Artist for

Music, is considered one of the “Triumvirate of Filipino
Composers” which includes Nicanor Abelardo and
Francisco Santiago. He began his music career as an
orchestral soloist at the Manila Grand Opera House. He
served as Dean of the Centro Escolar University
Conservatory of Music from 1948 to 1970. He was also
a faculty member of the University of the Philippines’
Conservatory (now College) of Music.
Molina was a product of both the Romantic and
Impressionist schools of thought. 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 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 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
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. He received the National Artist for Music
award in 1973. He passed away on January 29, 1980

6
 HILARION RUBIO Y FRANCISCO
(1902 – 1985)

Hilarion Rubio was born on October 21, 1902 in

Bacoor, 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 clarinet were
with Fr. Amando Buencamino who taught him solfeggio
and some musical instruments. When he was eight years
old, he was accepted as a member of the Bacoor Band as a clarinetist. At that time,
he made his first composition Unang Katas for his concert with the band.In his high
school years at the North High School (now Arellano High School), Rubio became a
member of several orchestras. He performed with various movie house bands and
orchestras. He was also a member of the Lyric Theater Orchestra, Trozo Band in
Benavides Street, and the Band Moderna in Tondo. After he graduated from high
school in 1930, he co-founded the Anak Zapote Band. He later 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. After his student years, Rubio became a conductor of opera at the Manila
Music School in 1936. He became the choirmaster and choral conductor of the Choir
Islanders. Also, he assumed the position of instructor at the Conservatory of Music,
University of the Philippines. He was also a lecturer at the Buencamino Music
Academy, La Concordia College, and College of the Holy Spirit, Santa Isabel College,
Laperal Music Academy, and Manila Music School, St. Theresa’s College, and the
Valencia Academy of Music. He became full professor of the UP Conservatory of
Music from 1936-1937.

COL. ANTONINO BUENAVENTURA

(1904 – 1996)
National Artist for Music

Col. Antonino Ramirez Buenaventura was a

renowned composer, conductor, and teacher. His father
Lucio was the chief musician of the Spanish artillery band
in Intramuros and founder of Banda Buenaventura. As a
young boy, he had already demonstrated a passion for
music while learning the rudiments of music and solfeggio
and becoming a proficient clarinet player.
Col. Buenaventura further developed his musical
abilities at the Conservatory of Music, University of the
Philippines (UP) at the age of 19. He received a Teacher’s
Diploma in Science and Composition at UP. Nicanor Abelardo and Francisco
Santiago were among his famous mentors. At the University, Buenaventura led the
UP ROTC Band and established the UP Junior Orchestra which was the first
collegiate orchestra in the country. He pursued further studies at the Institute of
International Education in New York. He was also awarded a 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

7
at the general meetings of the International Music Council (IMC) in Rome (1962) and
Hamburg (1964). Buenaventura was 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). Later, he restored the
Philippine Constabulary Band in 1945, which was reputedly likened to a symphony
orchestra. It was considered as “one of the best military bands in the world.” It would
later be renamed the Philippine Army Band. He also founded the San Pablo Music
Academy in Laguna. Buenaventura was a faculty member of the UP Conservatory of
Music. Later, he became the music director of the Conservatory of Music, University
of Santo Tomas (UST) in1961. After retiring from the military, he became the music
director at the School of Music and Arts, University of the East (UE) in 1964. He
promoted Philippine music through his extensive use of folk materials which he had
recorded around the country with Ramon Tolentino and National Artist for Dance
Francisca Reyes Aquino. Buenaventura composed the music and folk dance
notations for the dance researches of Aquino. As a multi-awarded musician, he
composed Minuet, Mindanao Sketches, Divertimento for Piano and Orchestra,
Variations and Fugue, and Greetings based on Philippine folk music. Pandanggo sa
Ilaw, one of his most popular compositions, remains a favorite performance
repertoire of many folk dance companies. He was declared National Artist for Music
in 1988 and passed away in 1996.

RODOLFO S. CORNEJO
(1909 – 1991)

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

Singalong, Manila. Inspired by his mother’s genuine
support, the young Cornejo started formal music lessons
at the age of six. He performed on stage after only two
years of music studies. During this time, he was also
invited as organist of the Pasay Catholic Church.
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, 26 of
Cornejo’s compositions were already listed by the United
Publishing Company Inc. Cornejo graduated with a Teacher’s Diploma in Pianoforte
and a Teacher’s Diploma in Science and Composition at the Conservatory of Music,
University of the Philippines (UP) in 1930. He received his Bachelor of Music degree
major in piano and theory from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University,
USA in 1932. He received a Master of Music degree major in composition and
conducting at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University, USA in 1933. He
was conferred a Doctor of Music degree honoris causa in 1954. He received his Doctor
of Philosophy degree major in composition from the Neotarian College of Philosophy
in Kansas City, USA in 1947.
Cornejo taught at the UP Conservatory of Music and became the researcher
and official composer of the Philippine government-in-exile. He was appointed by
then President Manuel L. Quezon.

He is listed in “The International Who’s Who in Music.” Cornejo was also

known for his extemporaneous thematic improvisations based on the letters of
people’s names. 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, Ibong Adarna, Piano Concerto Nos. 1,
2, 3, Ruby, and Song of the Miners. He passed away on August 11, 1991.

8
 FELIPE PADILLA 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 Penaranda, Nueva
Ecija. He is the son of Juan de Leon and Natalia Padilla.
Felipe de Leon married pianist Iluminada Mendoza with
whom he had six children. Bayani and Felipe Jr., are two
of his 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 was discovered during his
school days and admired by his uncle, peers. People asked him to make illustrations
and sketches and was paid for them. When he was studying at the Nueva Ecija High
School, he went on trips with his hometown band and wrote short pieces 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 performed in cabarets,
circuses and bodabil (vaudeville). Then, he worked as an assistant conductor of the
Nueva Ecija High School Orchestra where he started doing musical arrangements.
Later on, he wrote music for the zarzuela.

He decided to study formally and enrolled at the Conservatory of Music,

University of the Philippines, where he studied under National Artists Col. Antonio
Buenaventura and Antonio Molina. He contributed articles to the school paper and
vernacular magazines. Later, he wrote music columns for the Manila Times (then
known as Manila Tribune) and Taliba. He graduated with a music teacher's diploma,
major in conducting in 1939. Much later, he took advanced studies in composition
under Vittorio Giannini of the Julliard School of Music in New York, USA. De Leon
received many awards, such as Composer of the Year (1949), Manila Music Lovers
Society, Musician of the Year (1958), UP Conservatory of Music, and others. He was
conferred an honorary degree, doctor of philosophy in the humanities, by the
University of the Philippines in 1991.

De Leon wrote piano compositions, hymns, marches, art songs, chamber

music, symphonic poems, overtures, band muic, 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. He died on December 5, 1992.

9
 LUCIO SAN PEDRO
(1913 – 2002)
National Artist for Music

Lucio San Pedro was born on February11, 1913

inAngono, 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 Philippinesand theJuilliard
School in New York, USA. Upon returning to the
Philippines, he became a 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 chorus. His works for the symphonic band was where he was most 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. He
was declared National Artist for Music in 1991 and passed away on March 31, 2002.

ROSENDO E. SANTOS JR.

(1922 – 1994)

Rosendo E. Santos Jr. 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
“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,

10
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 – )

Dr. 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 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, 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).

CIPRIANO “RYAN” CAYABYAB

(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.

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 a number of recordings, including the memorable album one, where
he personally sang the unaccompanied songs on different tracks to produce 16
voices.

11
 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. After which, he
became a faculty member for Composition at the same University. He also served as
the Executive and Artistic Director of the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing
Arts, which oversaw the 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.

What’s More
Direction: Take a look at the given sample music lyrics, can you guess the title of
the song? Write your answers in your paper.

12
 What I have Learned
1. With Spain and then America having colonized the Philippines from the early
1500s to the late 1800s, it was unavoidable that Western compositional
techniques found their way into the works of Filipino composers.
2. 20th century Filipino composers have managed to retain some traditional elements
in their assimilation of Western techniques. In fact, they have become the
strongest foundations of what we now know as Philippine music.
3. Among the major Philippine contemporary composers are Francisco Buencamino
Sr., Francisco Santiago, Nicanor Abelardo, Antonio Molina, Hilarion Rubio, Col.
Antonino Buenaventura, Rodolfo Cornejo, Lucio San Pedro, Rosendo Santos Jr.,
Alfredo Buenaventura, and Ryan Cayabyab.

What I Can Do
Composer’s Scrapbook
1. Choose a traditional composer that was discussed in this module. Research
further on his life works and accomplishments. Be creative!
2. Use a bond paper and art materials available in your home.

EXAMPLE
FRONT BACK

RYAN
C.

13
 Assessment
Direction: Read the following statements carefully. Choose the letter that best
corresponds to your answer. Write your answer in your paper.
1. His compositions include Bulaklaken, Theme and Variations for Band, Dance of
the Nymphs Rondo, Florente at Laura (overture).
a. Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco c. Nicanor Abelardo
b. Ryan Cayabyab d. Antonio Molina

2. He was 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).
a. Col. Antonio Buenaventura c. Felipe Padilla De Leon Sr.
b. Lucio San Pedro d. Rodolfo Cornejo

3. One of Antonino Buenaventura's most popular compositions, it remains a favorite

performance repertoire of many folk dance companies.
a. Kundiman c. Da coconut nut
b. Pandanggo sa Ilaw d. Dakilang Lahi

4. He wrote piano compositions, hymns, marches, art songs, chamber music,

symphonic poems, overtures, band muic, school songs, orchestral works, operas,
kundimans and zarsuelas. He was known as a nationalist composer who
expressed the Philippines' cultural identity through his compositions.
a. Antonio Molina c. Felipe Padilla de Leon Sr.
b. Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco d. Ryan Cayabyab

5. He was known as a nationalist composer who expressed the Philippines' cultural

identity through his compositions like his two operas which are considered his
masterpieces are the Noli Me Tangere (1957) and El Filibusterismo (1970).
a. Antonio Molina c. Felipe Padilla de Leon Sr.
b. Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco d. Ryan Cayabyab

6. Last musical work and only ballet composition of Rosendo E. Santos Jr.
a. Kundiman c. Melinda’s Masquerade
b. Pandanggo sa Ilaw d. Dakilang Lahi

7. Nicanor Abelardo was one of his students.

a. Nicanor Abelardo c. Lucresia Kasilag
b. Rodolfo Cornejo d. Francisco Buencamino Sr.

14
8. Composer of Pilipinas Kong Mahal, he became the first Filipino director of the UP
Conservatory of Music.
a. Francisco Santiago c. Nicanor Abelardo
b. Antonio Molina d. Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco

9. Antonio J. Molina is best known for this poignantly romantic serenade for violin
and piano.
a. Hatinggabi c. Gunita
b. Malikmata d. Pandangguhan

10. He came to be known as the "Father of Philippine Impressionist Music,"

a. Francisco Santiago c. Nicanor Abelardo
b. Antonio Molina d. Hilarion Rubio Y Francisco

15
Answer Key

16
References
Printed Materials:

"K To 12 Curriculum Guide In MAPEH". 2016.

Deped.Gov.Ph.https://www.deped.gov.ph/wpcontent/uploads/2019/01/M
APEH-CG.pdf.

Department of Education. "K To 12 Most Essential Learning Competencies With

Corresponding CG Codes". Pasig City: Department of Education Central
Office, 2020.

Miranda, Sacdalan, Jugueta, San Jose. 2013. Music and Arts 2 Learner’s Material.
1st ed. Philippines: Department of Education

REX Book Store, The 21st Century MAPEH in Action, Work text Revised Edition
2018

The Intelligente Publishing, Inc., Experiencing the World of MAPEH, 2018

Online Websites:
https://www.brainscape.com/flashcards/contemporary-filipino-composers-
tradition-7081516/packs/11407507
https://quizlet.com/175748834/20th-century-traditional-composers-flash-cards/
http://iknewsomething.blogspot.com/2017/12/20th-century-traditional-
composers.html

17
 For inquiries and feedback, please write or call:

Schools Division of Ilocos Norte – Curriculum Implementation Division

Learning Resource Management Section (SDOIN-CID LRMS)

Office Address : Brgy. 7B, Giron Street, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Telefax : (077) 771-0960
Telephone No. : (077) 770-5963, (077) 600-2605
E-mail Address : [email protected]
Feedback link: : https://bit.ly/sdoin-clm-feedbacksystem

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email Address: [email protected] * [email protected]