Life and Culture - Kundiman

by: Lety Cunanan

Music is known to be the language of the soul.  It is sound arranged into pleasing and interesting patterns, thus it has a very important role in every cultural and social activities.  Without music, any place will be a boring and sad place to live in.  Music is one of the oldest forms of art.  People probably learned to sing as soon as language was developed. Today, music takes many forms around the world.  People and races have their inherent types of music. 

In the Philippines, ancient types of music have evolved, but the KUNDIMAN is still very popular.  Kundiman is a genre of traditional Filipino love songs.  Scholars and historians believed that the Kundiman originated from the town of Balayan, Batangas.  The lyrics are written in Tagalog.  The melody is characterised by a smooth flowing and gentle rhythm with dramatic intervals.  Kundiman was the traditional song of serenade in the Philippines.

At the end of the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century, composers such as Francisco Santiago and Nicanor Abelardo formalised the musical structure and used poetry for their lyrics, blending verses and music.  The earliest written Kundimans were described as songs that are very sentimental.

With the passing of time, the Kundiman has evolved.  Now, it is not only melancholy but also cheerful.  It expresses the pain and beauty of love.  Dr Francisco Santiago, the “Father of Filipino Musical Nationalism”, declared that the Kundiman is a love song par excellence of the Filipinos, the song which goes  deepest into their hearts and brings untold emotions.  It also served as a vehicle to express patriotism in times of colonialism and oppression, in which the

undying love for a woman symbolised love of country and desire for freedom.

Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero  wrote a Kundiman wherein he expresses his desire and dream of seeing his country regain its freedom. “Ang Bayan Kong Pilipinas” is a kundiman with nationalistic theme.  Some classical Kundimans like “ Nasaan Ka Irog”, Mutya Ng Pasig and Dahil Sa Iyo” are still sung in special occasions.

Filipinos always express happiness, victory, sadness and mourning through songs, particularly the Kundiman.  They did it then, they are doing it now, so the Kundiman will stay forever in our hearts.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to PLCAA 

on the celebrations of their 5th year anniversary

Greetings From: Sydney Sonata Singers