10

Music
Quarter 4 –Module 1:
Philippine Opera

Department of Education • Republic of the Philippines

i
 LESSON
Music: History of
1 Philippine Opera

Opera focuses on the human voice as an instrument and centers on

singing over an orchestra with the absence of amplification. Philippine opera, on
the other hand shows the rich history and culture of our country and propagate
the culture of classical music and opera as a whole.

What I Need To Know

At the end of this module you are expected to:

 Demonstrate understanding of the history of Philippine Opera

 Describe the characteristics features of Philippine Opera.

What’s In

In the previous lesson, you have learned about the group of 20th century
Filipino song composers and their contributions to the Philippine music. Can you
name some of them and their compositions?

These composers retained the Filipino spirit by incorporating traditional music

forms as well as indigenous rhythms and instruments in their compositions. In this
module, you will learn more about our cultural heritage like different forms of multi-
media in the 20th and 21st century. For now, we will focus on the history of Philippine
Opera.

1
 What’s New

Directions: In this activity, you will need a laptop or smartphone and an internet
connection. If internet connection is not available, the teacher will provide the
video material on a DVD or flash drive. Watch only one (1) from the following
performances in YouTube.
a. An excerpt from Noli Me Tangere, The Opera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBg9KVf7woA
b. An excerpt from El Filibusterismo, The Opera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8SiJiNYm6Q&t=19s
c. An excerpt from the opera La Loba Negra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDAo-e0w9zI

After watching and listening to the opera, list down five (5) observations. (3
points each item)

Title of Philippine Opera: ___________________________

Write your observations below
1. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

What Is It

History of Philippine Opera

The emergence of the Filipino opera started to take shape during the middle
part of 19th century. Foreign performers, including instrumental virtuosi, as well as

2
opera singers and Spanish zarzuela performers came to the country to perform for
enthusiastic audiences.

The opera is an art and music form in which singers and musicians perform
a dramatic work combining text (called a libretto) and a musical score, usually in an
elaborate theatrical setting. It incorporates many of the elements of spoken theater,
such as acting, scenery, costumes, and sometimes includes dance.
The performance is typically given in an opera house, cultural center, theater,
or auditorium. It is accompanied by an orchestra or smaller musical ensemble. The
dialogue is entirely sung and not spoken.
Opera is part of the Western classical music form and tradition. It started in
Italy at the end of the 16th century and soon spread through the rest of Europe.
While English, French and Italian operas were being presented, it was the Italian
opera that captured the creative imagination of composers, librettist, and singer
alike.

As the locals were being exposed to Western art and music, they were also
realizing their own talents and passion for the opera. That period in the Philippine
history was ripe for artists to voice their own sentiments about love of country and
longing for independence from colonial rule.

The element of tragedy, emanating from the popular themes of romance,

deceit, murder, vendetta, and other elements of human frailty, became a favorite
story pattern of the Filipino opera. Some operatic works were based on previous
literary creations, such as Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. The tragic
endings and unresolved conflicts made them excellent choices for an operatic
production.

3
Local Theaters and Early Philippine Opera

Local theaters, including the Zorilla, Principe Alfonso, Variedades, Quiapo and
Tondo Theaters, were the choice venues for the mainly Italian operas that came to
the country, such as Lucia di Lammermoor, La Boheme, La Traviata, and Aida.
Later, other opera venues were established, led by the Manila Grand Opera House
and the Metropolitan Theater (Met).

The first Filipino opera is said to be the Sandugong Panaginip by Pedro

Paterno, a poet, novelist, musician, and government official. This was first presented
at the Zorilla Theater on August 2, 1902.

Sandugong Panaginip was later translated by the Englishman M.W. Loving

with the title The Dreamed Alliance. Following this historic development, other
prominent figures and ensembles contributed significantly in the promotion of opera.

They were composer Bonifacio Abdon as the first Filipino opera conductor, Dr.
Ramon Javier as the first Filipino opera impresario who promoted local talents to
participate in foreign productions. The Orchestra Molina was known for their
interpretation of operatic works as well as other classical compositions.

4
 Metropolitan Theater (Met)

Subsequent Filipino operas followed sporadically, such as Lakangbini by

Patricio Mariano that was staged at the Metropolitan Theater on December 19, 1933.
Operatic divas included Nelia Manalo, who portrayed the leading role of Violetta in
Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata. Mercedes Matias-Santiago portrayed the role as Lucia
in Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lamermoor. National Artist Jovita Fuentes portrayed
the role as Mimi in Giacomo Puccini’s La Boheme. The establishment of the Cultural
Center of the Philippines (CCP) by then First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos in
1969 paved the way for other Filipino operas to be staged at a legitimate venue of
international standard.

What’s More

Activity 1.1: Understanding Philippine Opera

Directions: Answer the following in 2-3 sentences using your own words. Write your answer
in the space provided.

1. Describe the characteristics of Philippine Opera. (5 points)

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________.

5
 2. How did Philippine opera reflect life in the 20th century? (5 points)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________.

3. Describe how an idea or story in an opera is presented in a live performance. (5

points)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________.

What I Have Learned

Opera. An art and music form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic
work combining text (called a libretto) and a musical score, usually in an elaborate
theatrical setting (opera house). Dialogue is entirely sung and not spoken.

Philippine Opera. Started in the Philippines during the 19th Century when
Instrumental virtuosos, opera singers, and Spanish zarzuela performers came. The
element of tragedy, emanating from the popular themes of romance, deceit, murder,
vendetta, and other elements of human frailty, became a favourite story pattern of
the Filipino opera.

Philippine Local Theaters

- Zorilla
- Principe Alfonso
- Variedades
- Quiapo Theater
- Tondo Theater
- Manila Grand Opera House
- Metropolitan Theater

Sandugong Panaginip is said to be the first Filipino opera by Pedro Paterno, a

poet, novelist, musician, and government official. This was first presented at the
Zorilla Theater on August 2, 1902. It was later translated by the Englishman M.W.
Loving with the title The Dreamed Alliance.

6
 What I Can Do

Activity 1.2: Singing Activity: Philippine Opera

Directions: Learn a song from any of the Philippine opera. Using a camera or
smartphone, record yourself while singing and submit the video to your
teacher. The teacher will provide the audio materials if internet connection is
unavailable.

Suggested arias/songs:

La Loba Negra - Napakahaba na ng Gabi

Noli Me Tangere - Kay Tamis ng Buhay

Huwag Mo Akong Pabayaan

El Filbusterismo - (search i the internet)

Your performance will be evaluated based on these criteria:

Musicianship (music elements) 50%

Style and Performance (delivery, interpretation, 20%
timing and delivery)
Stage Presence (stage appeal and costume) 20%
Stage discipline 10%
100%

7
 LESSON
Music: Original
2 Philippine Operas

Opera focuses on the human voice as an instrument and center on

singing over an orchestra with the absence of amplification. Philippine opera, on
the other hand shows the rich history and culture of our country and propagate
the culture of classical music and opera as a whole.

What I Need To Know

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. sing and perform an aria from the opera expressively using media and
technology, and
2. demonstrate appreciation of Philippine Opera.

What’s New

Activity 2.1: Original Philippine Operas

Directions: To give you an overview of our lesson, research at least five (5) original
Philippine operas and provide a short description of each opera. Refer to the
example below.

Example:
La Loba Negra
_______- is based on history and a legend attributed to Fr. Jose Burgos, one of the
three martyred priests was executed in Bagumbayan (now Luneta) in 1872

8
1. ________________(3 points)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. ________________(3 points)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. ________________(3 points)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. _______________(3points)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
5. _______________(3 points)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

What Is It

Original Philippine Operas

La Loba Negra

La Loba Negra (The Black She-Wolf) is a three-act Filipino opera. Acts I and II
are based on history. Act III is based on a legend attributed to Fr. Jose Burgos, one
of the three martyred priests, Gomez, Burgos and Zamora who were executed in
Bagumbayan (now Luneta) in 1872. The music was composed by National Artist
Francisco Feliciano, with libretto by soprano Fides Cuyugan Asensio.

9
 Cultural Center of the Philippine
The premiere was held in 1984 with Lamberto Avellana as director. In 1985
direction was by Peque Gallaga and Jorge V. Ledesma, production design by Don
Escudero, costume design by National Artist Salvador Bernal, lighting design by
Dennis Marasigan, and choreography by Rene C. Hinojales.

La Loba Negra was presented by the Cultural Center of the

Philippines in cooperation with the Asian Institute for Liturgy
and Music at the CCP Main Theater from August 16 to 25,
1984 and the 2nd season in 1985. The cast was composed of
Ms. Asensio alternated with Eleanor Calbes as Dona Luisa/La
Loba. Jimmy Melendrez alternated with Noel Velasco as
Governor-General Fernando Manuel Bustamante. Secondary
roles were performed by Nomer Son as Torralba, Gamaliel
Viray/Nolyn Cabahug as Fr. Sebastian Totanes, Aileen
Espinosa Cura as Florentina Dolores, and Lito Carating/Elmo
Librettist and soprano,
Fides Cuyugan Asensio Makil as Kapitan Macatangay.

The composer himself conducted the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Choral support was from the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Singers Harmonics, Tiples
de Santo Domingo, Pasyon Singers of Cardona, and the Zarzuela Foundation
Chorus.

Noli Me Tangere, The Opera

10
 The three-act opera Noli Me Tangere was composed by National Artist Felipe
Padilla de Leon, with libretto by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino. It premiered in
1957 at the FEU Auditorium. The cast included Juanita Javier Torres as Maria Clara,
Don David as Ibarra, Fides Cuyugan Asensio as Sisa, Milo Cristobal as Padre
(Father/priest) Damaso, and Morli Daram as the director.

There were other several productions that followed the premiere production.
The performance in 1987 was held at the CPP Main Theater from September 28 to
20, 1987 in cooperation with Music Theater Foundation of the Philippines. Oscar C.
Yatco conducted the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. The opera was directed by
Jonas Sebastian.

The production staff also included National Artist Salvador Bernal for Set and
Costume Design, Dennis Marasigan for Lighting, and Sylvia Garcia-Nera for Overall
Production.

A scene from Noli Me Tangere, The Opera

The cast of major characters included Nolyn Cabahug and Sal Myneo (Sal)
Malaki alternating as Ibarra, Andion Fernandez/Nanette Moscardon-Maigue as Maria
Clara, Fides Cuyugan-Asensio/Luz Morete as Sisa, Elmo Makil/Nomer Son as Elias,
and Nomer Son/Jonathan Velasco as Padre Damaso and Jonas Sebastian as the
director.

The novel of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, Noli Me Tangere, has been a
source of many artistic productions and endeavors. From a silent film adaptation in
1915, it was the subject of a movie in 1961 directed by Gerardo de Leon. It won the
10th FAMAS Award for Best Film. It was first presented as an opera by National
Artist for Music Felipe Padilla de Leon in 1957 and in 1987.

11
 Noli Me Tangere was later adapted in 1992 by National Artist for Film Eddie
Romero in a 13-episode series for television. The novel also became the subject of
musical plays and revivals. The opera had its US production premiered as Noli Me
Tangere: The Opera at Harris Theater in Chicago on May 28, 2012. It was also
staged at The Kaye Playhouse, Hunter College, New York City, USA last October
2013, and at the Resorts World in Manila in September 2014.

El Filibusterismo, The Opera

The opera El Filibusterismo was composed by National Artist Felipe Padilla

De Leon in 1970, with libretto by Anthony Morli. It was in three acts and written in
Tagalog. The casts included Fides Cuyugan Asensio as Paulita, Constancio
Bernardo as Simoun, and Irma Potenciano as Juli. It was stageds at the Cultural
Center of the Philippines.

The cast of El Filibusterismo, The Opera

What’s More

Activity 2.1: Understanding the Story Behind the Opera

Directions: Research further on La Loba Negra, Noli Me Tangere and El

Filibusterismo. Choose one opera among the three and write a synopsis.

12
Synopsis of ____________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.

What I Have Learned

La Loba Negra (The Black She-Wolf) is a three-act Filipino opera. Acts I and II are
based on history. Act III is based on a legend attributed to Fr. Jose Burgos, one of the three
martyred priests Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora who were executed in Bagumbayan (now
Luneta) in 1872. The music was composed by National Artist Francisco Feliciano, with
libretto by soprano Fides Cuyugan Asensio. The premiere was held in 1984 with National
Artist for Theater and Film Lamberto Avellana as director.

13
 The three-act opera Noli Me Tangere was composed by National Artist Felipe
Padilla de Leon, with libretto by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino. It premeired in 1957 at
the FEU Auditorium. The cast included Juanita Javier Torres as Maria Clara, Don David as
Ibarra, Fides Cuyugan Asensio as Sisa, Milo Cristobal as Padre Damaso, and Morli Daram
as the director. There were several other productions that followed the premiere production.

El Filibusterismo is a novel by Dr. Jose Rizal, a sequel to the earlier Noli Me

Tangere. It was written four years later. It tells of the continuing struggle of the Filipinos to
achieve freedom and emancipation from Spanish colonial rule. The opera El Filibusterismo
was composed by National Artist Felipe Padilla de Leon in 1970, with libretto by Anthony
Morli. It was in three acts and written in Tagalog.

What I Can Do

Activity 2.2: Listening Activity

Directions: Play a musical excerpts from the arias of any Philippine opera. (Search
the opera performances in YouTube. If internet connection is not available, your
teacher will provide the video materials). Listen to the selections carefully to
appreciate the music. Analyze the music and take note of the elements of music
present, such as rhythm, melody, tempo, and dynamics, texture and
harmony, form, and timbre. Choose a composition that you like and describe the
lyrical content and message that the piece wants to convey.
Suggested links:
a. An excerpt from Noli Me Tangere, The Opera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBg9KVf7woA
b. An excerpt from El Filibusterismo, The Opera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8SiJiNYm6Q&t=19s
c. An excerpt from the opera La Loba Negra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDAo-e0w9zI

14