20th Century Traditional Composers
Rhian Bryle Parro
10 BRAVERY
1. Francisco B. Buencamino Sr. (1883-1952)
● was a Filipino composer from Bulacan who founded the Buencamino Music
Academy and became known for his romantic kundimans and piano works such as
Mayon (Fantasia de Concert), Maligayang Bati, and Damdamin (Romance), which
reflected deep Filipino emotion and passion for music.
2. Francisco S. Santiago (1889-1947)
● Recognized as the “Father of Kundiman Art Song,” elevated the traditional kundiman
to a classical art form by blending Filipino melodies with Western techniques,
producing masterpieces like Pakiusap, Madaling Araw, and Anak Dalita.
3. Nicanor S. Abellardo (1893-1934)
● A musical genius from Bulacan, combined Western classical styles with Filipino folk
music, creating heartfelt kundimans such as Nasaan Ka Irog, Bituing Marikit, and
Mutya ng Pasig, making him one of the country’s most celebrated composers.
4. Antonio J. Molina (1894-1980)
● Called the “Dean of Filipino Composers,” was a violinist, teacher, and impressionist
composer whose notable works like Hatinggabi and Malikmata showcased his
refined, emotional, and modern style of composition.
5. Hilario F. Rubio (1902-1985)
● Was a composer and educator from Bulacan who dedicated his life to promoting
Philippine folk music and created orchestral works like Philippine Symphony No. 1
and Florente at Laura Overture that celebrated Filipino culture.
6. Colonel Antonio R. Buenaventura (1904-1996)
● A National Artist for Music, was a composer, conductor, and researcher who revived
traditional folk music and wrote patriotic works such as Pandanggo sa Ilaw and
Echoes from the Philippines, highlighting the beauty of native melodies.
7. Rodolfo S. Cornejo (1909-1991)
● Was a piano prodigy and one of the first Filipinos to perform at Carnegie Hall,
composing symphonies and suites like Oriental Fantasy, Carmen Symphony, and
Ibong Adarna Suite that fused Filipino themes with Western classical traditions.
8. Felipe P. de Leon Sr. (1912-1992)
● A National Artist for Music, was a composer and cultural leader known for patriotic
pieces like Payapang Daigdig and operas such as Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, which embodied Filipino identity and nationalism.
9. Lucio D. San Pedro(1913-2002)
● A National Artist, was from Angono, Rizal, and became known for heartfelt,
folk-inspired compositions like Sa Ugoy ng Duyan and Lahing Kayumanggi,
expressing deep love for Filipino heritage and family.
10. Rosendo E. Santos Jr. (1922-1994)
● Was a prolific composer from Cavite who wrote over 2000 works, including
Triumphal March and The Heroic March, and shared Filipino music internationally as
a band and choral music educator.
11. Alfredo S. Buenaventura (1929-2021)
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● Was a respected conductor and composer who skillfully blended traditional Filipino
melodies with modern techniques in works such as Maria Makiling (Opera), Ang
Ating Watawat, and Symphony No. 1.
12. Raymundo Cipriano Ryan Cayabyab (1954-present)
● A contemporary National Artist, is a versatile composer known for promoting
Original Pilipino Music (OPM) through popular songs like Kay Ganda ng Ating
Musika,