Nicanor Abelardo


Nicanor Santa Ana Abelardo was a Filipino composer known for kundiman songs he wrote before the Second World War.

Biography

Early life

Nicanor Abelardo was born in San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan to Valentin Abelardo and Placida Santa Ana, on February 7, 1893 His mother belonged to a family of artists in Guagua, the Henson. He was introduced to music when he was five years old when his father taught him the solfeggio, the bandurria, and the guitar at 6. His quick mastery of the instruments has made him a prodigy in town. He could play his father's arrangement of Rossini's "William Tell Overture" on the guitar at age 6. He also learned the violin and other string instruments given to him by his father, and learned how to play quickly without much difficulty. In 1901, he wrote his first composition, "Ang Unang Buko" and dedicated it to his grandmother.
In 1902, Nicanor's uncle, the painter Juan Abelardo, took him to Manila to attend several schools. During this time Nicanor became the favorites among the haranistas who admired him of his skill at such a young age. This was also the time where he learned how to play the piano. He saw a piano for the first time at a factory of one of his uncle's clients, and immediately taught himself how to play it. By the time his uncle's job was finished, he can already play an air on the piano. The household was even more surprised when he started accompanying his cousin's singing on the piano. This has led his uncle to enroll him to a private lesson in voice under Enrico Capozzi, who was so impressed by Nicanor's abilities that he refused to accept any fee whatsoever. The same thing also happened when he started formally studied Bandurria under Jose Silos. By this time he was 13 years old, the famed pianist Francisco Buencamino took note of his skill in playing the piano, and helped him take a job at a saloon as a pianist.
However, in 1907, he returned to his hometown and finished his 6th grade there after which he was teaching music in various barrio schools around town. but after a year he went back to Manila permanently.

Time in Manila

In 1908 he returned to Manila and took employment in various small theaters and cinemas. He soon climbed up to the bigger and better class theaters in the city. He eventually became the leader of Cine Majestic Orchestra, an orchestra from a famous cinema. During this time he met Sixta Naguiat at a cinema, which would become his wife in later years.

Career

In 1916, Abelardo entered the newly-established University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music, taking courses under Guy F. Harrison and Robert Schofield. During his studies, he composed the melody of the university's official anthem, U.P. Naming Mahal in 1917. The Conservatory instantly noticed his musical ability and by 1918, he was appointed assistant instructor in solfeggio and harmony. He took lessons in piano under Jose Estella, violin under Bonifacio Abdon, and voice under Victorino Carrion. He continued conducting cinema orchestras and play the piano at saloons and cabarets during this time, and this is also the time where he learned to drink alcohol. in 1921 he finally received his degree in science and composition, and thereafter took a post-graduate course which he finished the next year. On 1924 he became head of the composition department of the conservatory, and at night taught private music lessons to some prominent families.
He wrote most of his important works while teaching at the conservatory. His graduation piece, a Piano Sonata in G Major, was the first Sonata made by a Filipino composer and his post-graduate piece, the Piano Concerto in B-flat minor, was the first concerto made by a Filipino composer. Almost all of his kundiman was written during his time as well.
He asked a leave of one year because "There is a greater demand in my activities which demand my whole personal attention." He resigned his post in 1930 only to be reinstated in the same year. In 1931 he received a grant to pursue advanced musical studies abroad. He accepted the offer despite his little savings, seeing his bright prospects in the future.

Alcoholism

Abelardo began to drink in the early 1920s, and ever since then, he did not pass a day without drinking alcohol. In later years, his alcoholism became uncontrollable which affected his life. In one instance in 1923 he directed the Jazz Band at the Manila Hotel with himself at the piano, or he picked such instruments as he pleased. This greatly amused the people, but he did not stay long because he had lost control of his drinking, and became hospitalized for a month because of it. Another instance while rehearsing the Santa Ana Cabaret Orchestra, the manager found him in a corner drunk with a bottle of booze at one hand, which led him to be dismissed from the job. However the manager reinstated him, as no one can lead the orchestra as good as him.

Studies in Chicago

In May 1931 he left Manila for Chicago and enrolled at the Chicago Musical College under Wesley LaViolette. During this time he got influenced by the musical innovations of the Second Viennese School, Hindemith, and other post-romantic composers of Europe. In barely a month he fully absorbed the new musical style he was exposed to, as evident in his Violin Sonata which he had written in 3 weeks after he started studying there. His music became popular in the college and with his Cinderella Overture, he was granted the LaViolette Scholarship award. But even with the scholarship, the depression-stricken Chicago, and his alcoholism made it hard for Abelardo to live in the city. He returned to Manila in 1932 without his diploma, because he did not have enough academic credits. He received the diploma after studying at the National University.

Later Years

He resumed his teaching at the Conservatory after returning to Manila. While he was in Chicago, his family ran a boarding house near the conservatory to support him. He eventually ran the boarding house himself when he returned. The boarding house was nicknamed "The Little Conservatory" because he would teach the students there at night, among them the composers Lucino Sacramento and the future National Artist Antonino Buenaventura. His final large complete work, Requiem, was written in 1934 in memory of the composer Marcelo Adonay.

Death

He died on March 21, 1934 to heart failure due to alcoholic causes. He was buried at the La Loma Cemetery. He left behind various sketches of unfinished music, among them a symphony and an opera.

Legacy

Nicanor Abelardo, along with Francisco Santiago, is known for redefining the kundiman, bringing the form to art-song status. Abelardo's kundiman songs, such as "Mutya ng Pasig", "Nasaan ka, Irog?", and "Bituing Marikit" proved to be popular among the Filipino people, and his compositions are regularly played in concerts in the Philippines.
Nicanor's relative Richard Abelardo made a film in 1950 called "Mutya ng Pasig" which is based on Nicanor's kundiman of the same name.
The main theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the building housing the College of Music in UP Diliman were named in his honor and memory.

List of Works

In E. Arsenio Manuel's Biography of Abelardo, Manuel lists 149 works. Some works not included in Manuel's 1955 list is included here. His famous or important works are highlighted below.
DateTitleGenreOpusNotes
1901Ang Unang BukoWaltz, Bandurria soloDedicated to his Grandmother Macaria Libunao
1905Filipino BoyTwo-step
1909Baanag at LakasBand, MarchDedicated to the Confederacion Bulakeña
1911LucilaSarswelaIn 3 parts. libretto by Florentino Ballecer.
1913AkibatSarswelaIn 1 Act. libretto by Florentino Ballecer.
1915 July 2Sa BubunganPlayIn 1 act. unknown librettist
1915Dalawang Pag-asaPlayIn 1 act. libretto by Florentino Ballecer
1916/1917AmorosaVocal, FoxtrotSpanish Lyrics by Jesus Balmori
1917U.P. BelovedVocalWinner of the University Hymn competition. English Lyrics by Teogenes Velez
1918 April 28Kapabayaan/Bunga ng Masamang HiligSarswelaIn 1 act. Tagalog Text by Felix Auxilio Roxas
1918 April 28KawanggawaSarswelaIn 1 act. Tagalog Text by Felix Auxilio Roxas
1920Kung Hindi ManVocal, KundimanTagalog Lyrics by the composer, English Translation by Atilano Montesa
1921Academic OverturePiano, OrchestralOriginally for 2 pianos, later arranged by Antonino Buenaventura for orchestra.
1921An Old Love SongVocalAdopted from Dowland's Songbook
1921String Quartet in F MajorChamber1, no. 1for String Quartet. In 4 movements: Allegro, Andante, alla Minueto, Rondo: Allegro Moderato.
1921Sonata in G MajorPiano, Sonata3, no. 1?In 3 movements: Allegro, Adagio, Presto. The first Piano Sonata made by a Filipino composer. It was submitted as a graduation piece. The work was lost.
1921Sonata in C MajorPiano, Sonata3, no. 2In 3 movements: Allegro con moto, Adagio, Rondo: Allegro con moto quasi vivace. It was submitted as a graduation piece.
1921SonataPiano, Sonata3, no. 3?In 4 movements: Allegro, Andante alla Minueto, Rondo, Allegro Moderato.
1921LongingVocal, ChamberQuartet for three voices
1921Fughetta in C on a Theme by MozartChamberfor String Quartet
1921Mountain SuiteOrchestralIn 4 movements:
Ang Liwayway , Sayaw ng mga Diwata , Ang Matanda sa Punso , Ang Sayaw ng mga Ita
The material for this suite was reworked from his sarswela Akibat. Originally called Mountain Scenes.
1921Ave MariaVocal, Chamber, Sacred
1921NocturnePiano soloFrom Three Pieces for the Pianoforte
1921Valse CapricePiano soloFrom Three Pieces for the Pianoforte
1921Fantasie-ImpromptuPiano soloFrom Three Pieces for the Pianoforte
1921The VioletVocala trio for 3 sopranos
1921U.P. Spells "Up"Vocalfrom The First University Song Collection of the University of the Philippines. English text by Guy Potter Benton.
1921Alma Mater U.P.Vocalfrom The First University Song Collection of the University of the Philippines. English text by Gerardo Monden.
1921Conservatory Commencement HymnChoral, Hymnfrom The First University Song Collection of the University of the Philippines. English text by Robert Schofield.
1921Coronation MarchOrchestral, Marchwritten for the Carnival Queen Carmencita Prieto
1921First NocturnePiano solo
1921CavatinaChamber7for Violin and Piano
1921RomanzaChamber8for Cello and Piano; dedicated to Antonio Molina
1921Valse CapricePiano solodedicated to Pedro Eloriaga
1922SerenadeChamberfor Cello and Piano
1922Ang Aking BayanVocalTagalog Lyrics by the composer
1922ParalumanVocal, WaltzTagalog Lyrics by Mariano Velayo
1922Valse in D-flatPiano Solo11
1922An Offertory to St. CeciliaVocal, Sacred
1922A Historical PageantBand, Incidental MusicConsists of an Overture and 12 other movements:
I. Sight of the Ship, II-IV. Untitled, V. Dance of the Bolomen, VI. Untitled, VII. Shields and Spears, VIII. Untitled, IX. Kumintang Dance, X. Untitled XI. Pasodoble for Exit, XII. Blood Compact.
1922 September 13Initiation SongVocalfor the Rizal Center Fraternity
1922Ang MestisaSarswelalibretto by Ingracio Valmonte
1922 November 30Bonifacio SongVocal, MarchEnglish Lyrics by Francisco Carballo
1923Nasaan ka IrogVocal, KundimanTagalos Lurics by Nemestio Asistio, Spanish version by Jesus Balmori
1923KundimanChamberfor Violin and Piano
1923Piano Concerto in B-flat minorConcerto12In 3 Movements: Allegro Moderato, Andante, Allegro Fantastico. It was the first Piano Concerto written by a Filipino Composer.
1923Processional MarchOrchestral, March
1923Capriccio EspagnoleChamber15for violin and piano
1923Pearl of the OrientBand, MarchRecorded by the Baliuag Buenaventura Band in 1958
1924 January 9Wedding MarchOrchestral, Marchfor the wedding anniversary of Marcelo Adonay
1924 March 29Stabat MaterVocal, Chamber, Sacred
1924MeditationHarmonium solo
1924Kundiman ng LuhaVocal, KundimanTagalog Lyrics by Jose Corazon de Jesus; Dedicated to Samahang Bulakan
1924Petite SerenadeChamberfor violin and piano
1924 December 30Ultimo AdiosChoral, Orchestralfor Female Chorus and Orchestra; Composition based on a poem by Jose Rizal
1925Magbalik ka, HirangVocal, KundimanTagalog Lyrics by Filomena Alcanar; Dedicated to Candida Moreno; with violin obbligato
1925PahimakasVocalTagalog Lyrics by Jose Corazon de Jesus; Dedicated to Jose Mossesgeld Santiago
1925Canto del ViajeroVocalComposition based on a poem by Jose Rizal
1926 May 2Dakilang PungloSarswelain 3 acts; libretto by Servando de los Angeles.
1926Bituing MarikitVocal, Danza Menorfrom the sarswela Dakilang Punglo
1926Health Service HymnChoral, Hymnfor the Philippine Health Service, Manila
1926Mutya ng PasigVocal, KumintangTagalog Lyrics by Deogracias A. Rosario, later arranged for orchestra by the composer
1928HimutokVocal, KundimanTagalog Lyrics by the composer
1928Valse ExtaseChamber, Waltzfor saxophone and piano
1928National Heroes' Day HymnChoral, HymnLyrics by Alfredo B. German
1928Into your EyesVocal, BalladEnglish lyrics by Paul R. Verzosa
1929 December 23BalitawVocal, BalladVisayan Lyrics by Ramon Abellanos, Tagalogg Byrics by the composer
1929PahiwatigVocal, DanzaTagalog Lyrics by the composer. Dedicated to Clarita Tankiang
1929ReverieChamberfor violin and piano
1929Ang Dakilang PagyayakapVocal, Paso-dobleLyrics by Florentino Ballecer
1929Ikaw RinVocal, KundimanTagalog Lyrics by the composer, Spanish version by Manuel Barnabe, Dedicated to Celedonia Ongpin
1929 December 23Paalam sa PagkakadalagaFolkFolk song arrangement
1929 December 23LulayFolkFolk song arrangement
1929 December 23May Isang Bulaklak na Ibig LumitawFolkFolk song arrangement
1930Kumintang ng BayanVocal, KumintangLyrics by the composer
1930Kung ako'y UmibigVocal, KundimanLyrics by the composer
1930 MayHimno MasonicoChoral, Hymnwinner in a contest by the Grand Lodge of Manila
1930Halika, Magandang MutyaVocal, SerenadeLyrics by the composer
1930Marcha TriunfalMarchDedicated to Logia Isla de Luzon no. 57
1930Sa Iyong KandunganVocal, KundimanTagalog Lyrics by the composer; Sugbuanon Lyrics by Manuel Velez
1930Nasaan ang aking PusoVocal, Kundiman
1930Naku KenkoyVocalTagalog Lyrics by Romulado G. Ramos
1930 April 17Tayo'y Pakasal naVocal, SarswelaA song from a sarswela by Servando de los Angeles
1930ReminiscenesVocalFavorite song of Isagani Velayo's grandmother transcribed by Abelardo. Tagalog Lyrics by Valentin Abelardo
1930 April 7Ay KalisudFolk, FoxtrotArranged as a foxtrot for orchestra
1930 April 7Batobato at SiniguelasVocal, Sarswelaadditional song from a Tagalog Sarswela
1930 June 10Anong Sarap mong UmibigVocal, Sarswelaadditional song from a Tagalog Sarswela Dalawang Pag-asa by Florentino Ballecer
1930Ang Puso ko'y NalulumbayVocal, Sarswelaadditional song from a Tagalog Sarswela Dakilang Punglo by Florentino Ballecer
1930 June 30Ayokong AyokoVocalMusic and Lyrics by Florentino Ballecer, harmonized by Abelardo
1930 June 21Doon po sa Aming BayanVocalMusic and Lyrics by Florentino Ballecer, harmonized by Abelardo
1930 June 21Walang Palad sa PaggiliwVocalA "Duo de Amor"
1930 June 21Ang Dagat na MalawakVocalA Barcarole
1930 June 21Ang Babae kung PangitVocalMusic and Lyrics by Florentino Ballecer, harmonized by Abelardo
1930 June 21Pag-ibig na Walang HangganVocalA duet
1930 July 12Hoy-hoyVocal
1930 July 12May Isang Dalagang Nanggaling sa BukidVocal
1930 July 12Ayaw sa PusaVocalAn "Awit Lansangan" Music and by Florentino Ballecer and Abelardo; Lyrics by Ballecer
1930 July 12Sa Gintong PanaginipVocal, KumintangLyrics by Florentino Ballecer
1930 July 12Sa Pugad ng PaggiliwVocalMusic and Lyrics by Florentino Ballecer, harmonized by Abelardo
1930 July 12Kaiingat KaVocalMusic and Lyrics by Florentino Ballecer, harmonized by Abelardo
1930 July 12Sa Bayang MarungkoVocalMusic and Lyrics by Florentino Ballecer, harmonized by Abelardo
1931 January 10IntermezzoBandAwarded First Prize and gold medal at the 1931 Philippine Carnival Contest, entered under the pseudonym "Batong-Buhay"
1931 January 10Valse EleganteBandAwarded First Prize at the 1931 Philippine Carnival Contest, entered under the pseudonym "Araw"
1931 FebruaryAng Likha ni Pierrot/Batik ng KabihasnanSarswelalibretto by Florentino Ballecer
1931 March 5Buhay ng Binata't DalagaVocalDialogue by Danding Gabriel
1931 March 5Bibingka't LanggunisaVocalDialogue by Danding Gabriel
1931 June 5WaltzWaltzwritten in Chicago
1931 JuneFugue for String QuartetChamberwritten in Chicago
1931 June 28The Flower and the BirdChamber, Capricewritten in Chicago; for flute, violin, and piano
1931 July 5A Summer IdyllChamberwritten in Chicago; for violin, clarinet, and piano
1931 July 22A Naughty NymphChamber, polkawritten in Chicago; for flute and piano
1931 July 28Fifes and CastagnettesChamber, Bolerowritten in Chicago; for flute and piano
1931 September 7Violin SonataChamberwritten in Chicago; In 3 movements: Allegro, Andante, Allegro con moto. The first movement was finished on July 13, 1931.
1931 November 25Cinderella OvertureOrchestral, Overturewritten in Chicago; this piece won him the LaViolette Scholarship Award
1931 November 25Sinfonietta for String OrchestraOrchestralwritten in Chicago
1931 NovemberPanoramasChamberwritten in Chicago; for flute, violin, viola, celesta, and piano; presented as graduate composition
1932 January 8Second Fugue for String QuartetChamberwritten in Chicago
1932 JuneSymphonyOrchestralwritten in Chicago; unfinished; intended to be his graduate piece but he chose Panoramas instead.
1932 June 6Sonata for String QuartetChamberwritten in Chicago
1932 October 7A Study in KumintangChamberfor Piano and String Quartet; Dedicated for the wedding anniversary of Hon. Noberto Romualdez
1932Salve Regina MaterVocal, Chamber, Sacredfor Soprano, baritone, and trio
1932Visayan CapriceChamberfor violin, cello, and piano
1932Emilio JacintoVocalEnglish lyrics by Francisco Carballo
1932Song of the Lonesome TravellerVocal
1933Spirit of '96Overture
1933National Institute SongVocal
1933Himig ng bayanChamber, Overturefor String Band. Composed for the Doce Estrellas Society of Licab, Nueva Ecija
1933CarolaFoxtrota tango-foxtrot
1934 JanuaryDawnDanceA dance composed for a Pageant titled "The Triumph of Eros" held by the University of the Philippines on 6 February 1934. Instrumentation by Antonino Buenaventura.
1934 March 15PanghangaVocal, Kundimandedicated to Carnival Queen Clarita Tankiang
1934RequiemChoral, Orchestral, SacredComposed in memory of Marcelo Adonay.
1934Florante at LauraOperaunfinished
undatedViolin ConcertoConcertounfinished; Exists as Violin and Piano; one movement completed and arranged by Antonio Molina for violin and orchestra Exact date of composition unknown, but stylistic analysis of the work has estimated the composition date to be roughly 1920.
undatedRondo and Double FugueOrchestralunfinished.
undatedUn cuento de Lola BasiangVocalA musical sketch in 7 scenes
undatedLola BasyangBand, MarchRecorded by the Baliuag Buenaventura Band in 1958
undatedKasaganaanBand, MarchRecorded by the Baliuag Buenaventura Band in 1958
undatedTinig ng mga Kahabag-habagVocalDedicated to the lepers
undatedVisayan OrientaleWaltz
undatedAng Binatang FilipinoWaltzco-composed with Jose L. Santos
undatedSa Libingan ng IrogVocal, KundimanTagalog Lyrics by Pedro Icasiano
undatedOur National PrideVocalDedicated to Gabino Tabuñar of the National University
undatedLibertadorChoral, HymnDedicated to Sergio Osmeña
undatedGrand MarchMarch
undatedIkawTango
undatedHimno PlaridelOrchestral
undatedBunying M. H. Del PilarHymnProbably composed 1920
undatedModernista
undatedOde to the SampagitaVocalEnglish Lyrics by Mauro Mendel. Composed for the Philippine Women's University
undatedHonor and ArmsOrchestral, March
undatedSumilangSarswelaIn 3 acts; libretto by Basilio Lanuza. Written after 1911
undatedMakabagong DalagaPlayIn 3 acts. Lyrics by Mariano Velayo.
undatedAng Tala ng UniversidadSarswelaIn 3 acts; libretto by Danding Gabriel
undatedAng Batang TulisanPlayIn 4 acts; libretto by Bernardino Buenaventura; Lyrics by Danding Gabriel
undatedPuri ng MahirapSarswelalibrettist unknown

Discography

Many of Abelardo's songs and kundimans were recorded during his lifetime by his friends and colleagues, such as Jose Mossesgeld Santiago and Jovita Fuentes. After the war his kundimans were frequently recorded by recording artists such as Sylvia la Torre, Conching Rosal, and Don David. The following is an incomplete list of recordings of some of his famous kundimans:
TitlePerformerDateSource
Kung Hindi ManDon David
Kung Hindi ManJovita Fuentes
Kung Hindi ManJose Mossesgeld Santiago2013
Kung Hindi ManJoseph Legaspi
Nasaan ka, Irog?Nati de Arellano7/12/1929
Nasaan ka, Irog?Jose Mossesgeld Santiago
Nasaan ka, Irog?Don David
Nasaan ka, Irog?Sylvia la Torre
Nasaan ka, Irog?William Lim2013
Bituing MarikitDon David
Bituing MarikitConching Rosal
Bituing MarikitSylvia la Torre
Bituing MarikitJoseph Legaspi2013
Mutya ng PasigJovita Fuentes4/20/1938
Mutya ng PasigNati de Arellano6/28/1929
Mutya ng PasigConching Rosal
Mutya ng PasigSylvia la Torre
Kundiman ng LuhaJovita Fuentes
Kundiman ng LuhaArrigo Pola1951
Kundiman ng LuhaJose Mossesgeld Santiago
Kundiman ng LuhaDon David
Kundiman ng LuhaJoseph Legaspi2013
Magbalik ka, HirangArrigo Pola1951
Magbalik ka, HirangJose Mossesgeld Santiago
Magbalik ka, HirangKatrina Saporsantos2013
PahimakasJose Mossesgeld Santiago1926 June
PahimakasKatrina Saporsantos2013
Ikaw Rin!Jose Mossesgeld Santiago
Ikaw Rin!Joseph Legaspi2013
HimutokDon David
HimutokConching Rosal
HimutokWilliam Lim2013
PahiwatigSylvia la Torre
PahiwatigWilliam Lim2013

Footnotes