Philippine E-Journals

PHILIPPINE MUSIC

Antonio C. Hila

Discipline: Music

 

Abstract:

OF ALL THE ARTS, music is regarded as the "most universal" in its appeal and acceptance. This universality, however, does not mean that music is without character, nor does it imply a uniformity of character. Each country has its own kind of music that embodies the total experience, the collective consciousness of its people. Music, therefore, is the collective expression of the musical genius of a particular people. Such is the case of Philippine music, which today is regarded as a unique blending of two great musical traditions—the Eastern and the Western. Innately musical, the Filipinos, from the pre-hispanic to contemporary times, have imbibed these traditions and have woven their musical creations along these mainstreams of musical thought. Philippine society in general has witnessed the evolution of music expressed in different forms and stylistic nuances through time.