Nicanor Abelardo

Nicanor Sta. Ana Abelardo

(February 7, 1893 March 21, 1934Nicanor

Abelardo was born inSan Miguel De Mayumo
Bulacan 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 thesolfeggio and
thebanduria. Abelardo completed his first
composition, a waltz entitled "Ang Unang Buko"
dedicated to his grandmother, at the age of

In 1916, Abelardo entered the University of the Philippines

Conservatory of Music, taking courses under Guy F. Harrison and Robert
Scholfield. During his studies, he composed the melody of the university's
officialanthem,U.P. Naming Mahal. After earning a teacher's certificate in
science and composition in 1921, he was appointed head of the
composition department at the Conservatory in 1924. Years later, he ran a
boarding school for young musicians, among which were Antonino
Vuenaventura, Alfredo Lozano, and Lucino Sacramento.
Abelardo died in 1934 at the age of 41, leaving behind a collection of
roughly 140 compositions.He is known for redefining thekundiman,
bringing the form to art-song status. Notable among his works are 'Nasaan
Ka Irog," "Magbalik Ka Hirang," and "Himutok."
The main theater of theCultural Center of the Philippinesand the building
housing theCollege of MusicinUP Diliman(Abelardo Hall) were named in
his honor and memory.

Tributes And Works

Some of his composition
NakuKenkoy!
Mountain Suite
"Ang Aking Bayan"
The Historical Pageant
Processional March
Concerto in B Flat
"Nasaan ka, Irog?"
"Kundiman ng Luha"
"Magbalik Ka, Hirang!"
"Mutya ng Pasig"
"National Heroes' Day Hymn"
"Ikaw Rin"
"Bituing Marikit"
"Kung Ako'y Umibig"
"Doon Po sa Aming Bayan"
"Un Cuento de Lola Basiang"

Tributes And Works

Abelardo also redefined the
classical way of writing kundimans
using music ideas and concepts
he picked up from other countries.
His oeuvre is comprised of over
140 composition.
Nicanor was known to be one of
the composers most favored by
singers.

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