It's all about the classical music composers and their works from the last 400 years and much more about music. Hier erfahren Sie alles über die klassischen Komponisten und ihre Meisterwerke der letzten vierhundert Jahre und vieles mehr über Klassische Musik.
Short Biography of Filipina composer Lucrecia Roces Kasilag
Lucrecia R. Kasilag was born on the 31st of August, 1918 in San Fernando, La Union. She is the third of six children of Marcial Kasilag Sr., a government engineer, and Asuncion Roces, a music teacher, Lucrecia's first musical influence. A little after Kasilag's birth, the family moved to Albay and then to Manila.
At an early age, Lucrecia learnt to play the guitar. She graduated valedictorian from the Paco Elementary School and from the Philippine Women's University High School. She finished her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the Philippine Women's University (PWU), after which she took piano lessons from Concha Cuervo, and later, Pura Lacson Villanueva. She obtained her Music Teacher's degree from St. Scholastica's College of Music in 1939. And she was sent on an Asian tour by impresario Alfredo Lozano. She finished her Bachelor of Music degree at the PWU. She obtained her Master of Music degree, major in theory and minor in composition at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester in New York. She was conferred honorary doctorate degrees by the Centro Escolar University, the Philippine Women's University and the St. John University, New York in 1981.
Lucrecia Kasilag taught at various colleges such as the St. Scholastica's College, Assumption College and the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music. She also did pioneering research in ethnic culture and gained world-wide recognition as the Director of the Bayanihan Philippines Dance Company. She was Dean of the PWU College of Music and Fine Arts. She served as Artistic Director and as president of the Cultural Centre of the Philippines from 1969 until her retirement in 1986. She held so many other posts in many different organizations. She held key positions in national and international music organizations and has been recipient of different grants. In 1971, Lucrecia Kasilag was designated as a Colombo music expert to advise the University of Singapore on the setting up of its music department. She has written several articles and essays on various aspects of humanities and research in Asian music.
Lucrecia Kasilag began composing during World War II. Her over two hundred and fifty compositions range from folk song arrangements, art songs, solo instruments pieces, chamber and orchestral works. She has done significant pioneering work in combining the resources of occidental and oriental instruments in East and West compositions.
In 1979, Kubing Records recorded some of her works such as "Toccata for Percussion and Winds" (1958), "Divertissement for Piano and Orchestra" (1960), "Legend of Sarimanok" (1963), "Filiasiana", a choral dance kaleidoscope (1964), "Dularawan" (Drama-Tableau) for indigenous instruments and mixed chorus (1969), "Her Son, Jose", an operator (1976) and "Sisa", ballet music (1976).
Lucrecia Kasilag passed away on 16th August, 2008 at the age of 90.
During a press conference for the upcoming show "OAC: Original and Absolute Classics" which will be held at the North Solaire Ballroom in Quezon City on Feb. 13, the trio discussed the growing variety of musical styles and the rising recognition of Filipino artists locally and internationally.
From left: OPM composers Louie Ocampo, Ogie Alcasid, and Ryan Cayabyab (Facebook)
Renowned composers Ryan Cayabyab and Louie Ocampo have offered high commendations for the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene, celebrating its remarkable evolution and heightened success in recent years.
During a press conference for the upcoming show "OAC: Original and Absolute Classics" which will be held at the North Solaire Ballroom in Quezon City on Feb. 13, the trio discussed the growing variety of musical styles and the rising recognition of Filipino artists locally and internationally.
Their optimistic view of the current direction of OPM shows a lively artistic community. This community keeps creating new works while honoring the rich cultural heritage of the country.
"Yung dating pinapanaginip ko dati, nangyayari na ngayon. I hope you understand noon pa man 1960s and 1970s nag-uusap na kami ng mga fellow composers. Iisa lang ang dream namin: makapasok kami sa international (scene). At mailagay ang Filipino performers sa international stage.
"Ngayon naging hit na ang BINI at SB19 at marami na ang sumusunod. Ano ang ibig sabihin noon? Actually tuwang-tuwa kami na andyan na. Ang kailangan na lang ay ang walang humpay na suporta," said Ryan, the National Artist for Music, on this thoughts about the current state of the local music industry.
Ryan feels impressed and moved by how consumers are embracing Filipino music. It’s great to see this positive change in taste that celebrates cultural connection.
Ryan Cayabyab
"Parang nagpapalit na ang taste ng Filipino music consumers. Dati ang playlist nila ay punong-puno ng foreign music. Pero ang balita ko ay mas marami na ang nakikinig sa OPM music. I'm not talking about Filipino music na gawa namin (Louie, Ogie, and Ryan). (It seems like the taste of Filipino music consumers is changing. Before, their playlist was full of foreign music. But my news is that more people are listening to OPM music. I'm not talking about Filipino music that we (Louie, Ogie and Ryan) made.)"
"Tandaan ninyo sa music ang consumer ay mga bata. So yung mga batang consumer ng pop music, ang pinapakinggan nila ay yung mga gawa ng batang songwriters. Siyempre naman nagkakaintindihan sila dahil pareho ang kanilang mga language. Naiintindihan naman yun. (Remember that in music, the consumers are children. So the young consumers of pop music, what they listen to are the works of young songwriters. Of course, they understand each other because they speak the same language. That's understandable)," Ryan also said.
Ryan stated that comparing old and new music is pointless because they exist on different levels.
"Yung mga matatanda na lumalapit sa akin sinasabi nila mas maganda raw ang mga awit noong era nila. Bakit ngayon ang papangit ng kanta hindi namin maintindihan? Isa lang sagot ko palagi. Hindi kayo ang market niyan. Matanda na kayo. Hindi para sa inyo 'yang music na yan kaya hindi ninyo gusto. (The older people who come to me say that the songs of their era were better. Why are songs so bad now, we don't understand? I always have one answer. It's not your market. You're old. That music isn't for you, that's why you don't like it).
Ryan urged fellow music lovers to explore new possibilities within the realm of music.
"Matanda na kayo. Hindi para sa inyo yang music na yan kaya hindi ninyo gusto. But once you open your mind to the possibilities, that's how it is. Ang audience talaga ng popular music ay sa mga bata. (You're old. That music isn't for you, so you don't like it. But once you open your mind to the possibilities, that's how it is. The audience for popular music is children)," the musician and conductor added.
Louie Ocampo
Ryan, 70, is the composer behind the OPM classics "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika," "Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka," "Kahit Ika'y Panaginip Lang," "Kailan," "Can This Be Love?", Kumukutikutitap," and more. He mentioned writing a song entitled "Di Ko Masabi" for Stell, a member of SB19.
"So basically ang music ko ngayon ay ginagawa ko na rin para sa mga kasama ko or baka yung mga makalusot din na bago. May nakalusot naman ngayon na kinanta ni Stell. So ganun yun eh. (So basically, I'm making my music now for my friends or maybe for those who have already made it through. Something that Stell sang has made it through now. So that's it).
"Kung gusto mo ng swimming sa malaking ocean, kailangan makisanib ka rin sa mga sikat. So now the state of Filipino music is enviable. At ang dami nila hindi lang SB19 at Ben&Ben. Papasok silang lahat dyan na mga bago. Ang galing!" (I believe you need to collaborate with the well-known artists. The current state of Filipino music is admirable, and there are many artists, not just SB19 and Ben&Ben. It's wonderful!)," said Ryan.
Louie, 64, mentioned that the OPM scene is moving quickly and is proud of it.
"I feel I'm slowing down kasi ang bibilis nila. The current state of OPM is moving fast, and I'm happy for everyone. Hindi ko na mahabol kasi ang bilis. This makes us want to work harder and keep up with the young ones. Several sounds are coming out, but to me, it's still OPM. (I feel like I'm slowing down because they're speeding up. The current state of OPM is moving fast, and I'm happy for everyone. I can't catch up because of the speed).
"I may not be comfortable with it. But I must learn to grasp it because these are the youth na gumagawa ng mga kanta. So, I must open my mind and see where it is headed. (I may not be comfortable with it. But I must learn to grasp it because these youth make songs. So, I must open my mind and see where it is headed).
Ogie Alcasid
"I remember when I was growing up, my dad would tell me ano ba yang mga kanta mo, hindi maganda. Tapos hindi katulad ng mga kanta namin dati. With what I hear today, I need to embrace it because it is the soundtrack of the youth. You cannot take it away from them because it's their experience. We have to ride with it. (I remember that growing up, my dad would tell me, 'What are your songs? They're not good. They're not like our songs before.' With what I hear today, I need to embrace it because it is the soundtrack of the youth. You cannot take it away from them. We have to ride with it).
"So, I'm happy with OPM because it is so aggressive and alive. I hope it stays that way for the decades to come. I'm proud of OPM," Louie said.
Louie composed the unforgettable songs "Ewan," "Kahit Isang Saglit," "Tell Me," "Be My Lady," "Closer You and I," and more.
Ogie Alcasid
In the enchanting pre-Valentine’s showcase, the talented trio of Ogie, Ryan, and Louie will mesmerize the audience as they perform a selection of beloved Original Pilipino Music (OPM) classics.
They will entertain the audience with their engaging presence and romantic songs. Guests can expect a memorable evening that celebrates love and rich musical traditions.
"Sa dami ng kanta namin, mahirap isiksik sa isang concert. Pero pasensya na po sa ibang kanta na hindi naisali. Sa ibang concert na lang. (With so many songs, it's hard to fit them into one concert. But I'm sorry for the other songs that weren't included. They'll be included in another concert).
"Our musical director, Paolo Bustamante, has given us the blueprint of what will happen. I grew up with Paolo, although I did not grow up. It wasn't hard to prepare for this show. (Our musical director, Paolo Bustamante, has given us the blueprint of what will happen. I grew up with Paolo, although I did not grow up. It wasn't hard to prepare).
Ogie, 57, hopes to take the "OAC" show to various parts of the country and abroad.
"I'm praying that it doesn't end there. We can tour together and do many things together. I want to do campus shows and introduce our music to the younger people," he said.
Ogie composed the memorable hits "Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang," "Kung Mawawala Ka," "Kailangan Kita," "Sa Kanya," "Nandito Ako," "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala," etc.
Dream projects
Ryan, Ogie, and Louie excitedly shared their dream projects. Each offered a unique vision that reflected their passion and commitment to positive change.
"Ang dami ko pang gustong gawin. Hindi ko pa nagagawa yung piano concerto ko, although last year, nakagawa na ako ng full symphonic work. I'm doing things now na palagay ko meron akong oras para sa sarili ko. I finally found time to do things na para sa nararamdaman ko ngayon. (I still have so much I want to accomplish. I haven't finished my piano concerto yet, although last year I completed a full symphonic work. I'm currently focusing on activities that allow me to express how I feel at this moment. Finally, I've found the time to pursue things that are important to me)," said Ryan.
Louie answered: "I always wanted to develop something with a song, orchestral, or simple piano piece. Pero ang dream ko medyo weird eh. Gusto kong gumawa ng something na hindi acceptable na magiging uso. Something weird tapos magiging pop. Something different. I don't know what it is, but maybe the universe will hit me, and I will do something different.
"Maybe people will not like it initially, but uso na pala yun later. I want to do a musical and develop a new catalog of songs. I've written hundreds of songs, so I could write another hundred songs I can share with everyone before I go. Yun ang dream ko na hindi ko pa nauumpisahan," he said.
Ogie said he wrote a musical which is expected to be staged in 2026.
"I'm working on it already. It's about yung musical na sinulat namin. Itatanghal na namin in 2026. By the end of the year, siguro, we will have auditions. I will likely play a role.
"I am hoping my wife will also say yes. Sinulat namin ito medyo matagal na pero sa kaka-polish, we really want to come up with something appealing kasi it's a really good story and makes use of songs na hindi pilit. (I am hoping my wife will also say yes. We wrote this for a while, but in the final polish, we really wanted to come up with something appealing because it's a really good story and makes use of a song that isn't forced).
"Nakakatakot din na project because gagastusan din namin at sa dami ng musical, ayaw naman namin sabihin bakit ganun lang ang ginawa namin. Gusto naming kagiliwan ito ng mga manonood. (It's also a scary project because we'll have to spend a lot of money and with so many musicals, we don't want to say why we did it that way. We want the audience to enjoy it)," Ogie said.
