Filipino Classical Composers that are Considered One-Hit Wonders (Opinion)
Introduction
What is a "one-hit wonder"? How does a certain musician become one? These questions always annoys me when I always asks the credibility of a certain artist's success.
But first let us answer the first question: What is a one-hit wonder in the first place? Well, according to Wikipedia...
A one-hit wonder is any entity that achieves mainstream popularity, often for only one piece of work, and becomes known among the general public solely for that momentary success. The term is most commonly used in regard to music performers with only one hit single that overshadows their other work.
Source: Wikipedia
This definition might also apply, not just in popular music, but also in any other genres of music such as jazz, blues, and classical, which is what I'm about to discuss in a more reasonable detail. In a nutshell, what the definition meant is that to be a one-hit wonder (this applies to any field of art) one has the ability to attract public attention through aesthetics of his/her own work but was soon forgotten or overshadows his other works and in the end of that person's career, his regarded by his one and his only infamous work disregarding his other art. (Sorry for the confusing interpretation)
Nowadays, people are too sensitive to hear a little bit of critism of their favorite artist/musician which is why this article is not suited for everyone who will be most likely offended. But with all that disclaimer, let us "shall" talk of these one-hit wonders of Filipino composition.
One-Hit Wonders of Filipino Classical Music
1. Julian Felipe - "Lupang Hinirang"
Julián Reyes Felipe was a Filipino composer of the music of the Philippine national anthem, formerly known as "Marcha Nacional Filipina", now known as "Lupang Hinirang".
Julian Felipe On October 2, 1944, Julian Felipe, noted composer of the Philippine National Anthem, died in Manila.
Si Julian Felipe (Hul·yán Fe·lí·pe) ay kini-kilála bílang kompositor ng musika ngPambansang Awit ng Filipinas, angMarcha Nacional Magdalo na ngayon ay kilala bílang Lupang Hinirang.
Julián Felipe (January 28, 1861 – October 2, 1944), was the composer of the music of the Philippine national anthem, formerly known as "Marcha Nacional Filipina", now known as Lupang Hinirang.
When I was a child, I thought of Julian Felipe as "the guy who only compose Lupang Hinirang and did not create any music whatsoever because that piece of music is so perfect and pure that he doesn't needs to". Guess what, I'm not the only one. You can't have Julian Felipe written on a piece of paper without mentioning his infamous Marche Nacional Filipina/Lupang Hinirang (informally called "Bayang Magiliw"), which by the way, on my honest opinion, is getting too repetitive and annoying because of how the government and school intstitutions decided to shoved Filipino patriotism down to our throats. What's even worse, because of our "Filipino" obsession with our blinded patriotism, they are even laws that protect this piece from being criticized. No wonder why most Filipinos don't have a lot of knowledge what other magic that our national and faithful composer has to offer.
I also noticed that Julian, not only praised by one piece only, but also ditched and threw out of darkness his other works of beauties in compositions. Such as his Mateti el Santisimo, Cintas y Flores Rigodones, Amorita Danza, at Reina de Cavite and you know what's even worse, most of these pieces doesn't have sheet music available on the internet and recordings to listen to with the exception of his Gen. Luna March (Viva la Indepencia).
2. Jose Estella - "Ang Maya"
There is little known information about this composer as it is rare to find articles that talks about his biography and such, so I'm a bit biased.
José Estella (1870 - 6 April 1943) was a Filipino composer and conductor. A graduate of the Madrid Conservatory, he returned to the Philippines and there spent his time collecting folksongs and other music. In Manila and Cebu he conducted several orchestras, and was director of the Rizal Orchestra, founded in 1898. He wrote more than 100 waltzes which gained him the popular title of the ‘Philippine waltz king’, and he was the composer of the first Philippine symphony.
Source: sin80.com
Note: The above information is a little biography about him found on Google and the image of Estella comes from a YouTube channel called Im Walde which is a channel dedicated for promoting Philippine Classical Music.
You might be wondering as to why a not so well-known composer is here on the list. As a guess, I have my reasons. One, his popularity became known because of one piece (notably his "Ang Maya") and two, that piece is literally the only piece that associates with him. He's basically more of a Pachelbel of Filipino classical music but instead of being popular to non-musicians, it is popular among singers and musicians alike.
These are just screenshots on YouTube regarding his piece when you search the composer's name. But that's not the only thing. The piece can also be searched by typing the composer's misspelled name, Jose Estrella
So in summary, IT IS VERY POPULAR.
BUT PLEASE do understand that I'm not hating on the piece but its just that it is very repetitive to the point it nearly overshadows his other pieces such as his La Tagala and his ragtime music California March.
3. Lucio San Pedro - " Sa Ugoy ng Duyan"
Lucio San Pedro is a master composer, conductor, and teacher whose music evokes the folk elements of the Filipino heritage. Cousin to “Botong” Francisco, San Pedro produced a wide-ranging body of works that includes band music, concertos for violin and orchestra, choral works, cantatas, chamber music, music for violin and piano, and songs for solo voice. He was the conductor of the much acclaimed Peng Kong Grand Mason Concert Band, the San Pedro Band of Angono, his father’s former band, and the Banda Angono Numero Uno. His civic commitment and work with town bands have significantly contributed to the development of a civic culture among Filipino communities and opened a creative outlet for young Filipinos.
Source: GovPH
Have you have ever listened to "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan"? You know the song that every elementary students knew about and possibly one of the best praised folk music in every school institutions, yes? Well, the information below has the answer for it's overplayed popularity...sort of:
"Sa Ugoy ng Duyan" (literally in Tagalog: "In the Rocking of the Cradle"; official English title: "The Sway of the Baby Hammock") is a Filipino lullaby. The music was composed by Lucio San Pedro while the lyrics was written by Levi Celerio. Both of them were National Artists of the Philippines and this song was their most popular collaboration. Due to its popularity in the Philippines, it has been regarded by an entertainment writer in Philippine Entertainment Portal as familiar as the Philippine National anthem. It has been interpreted and recorded by various Filipino artists.
Source: Wikipedia
In my theory, the only plausible scenario as to why this piece overshadows other San Pedro's composition is much of the same case as Pachelbel's Canon in D Major as the piece was heavily used on Filipino drama and film to the point that every Filipinos know the song. Not only on Philippine drama but also on the role of Levi Celerio, the composer of "Ang Pipit" (another elementary kid song), which makes sense as to why it's popularity on Filipino children.
The End of My Article
I did not expect this article to be that long unlike my previous article about the Hanunoo script but with all the biases of the information and opinions provided, I hope, to my fellow countrymen, that this article shall be useful to your learning or just wanted to know some opinions, basic information, and critisms on Filipino classical music.
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