Spanish Influence in Secular Music - Music of the Lowlands of Luzon 2:

Spanish Influence in Secular Music

Music of the Lowlands of Luzon 2: 

the secular music of the Lowlands of Luzon as influenced by Spanish culture and music. 

Through the lesson, one will discover how the lowland Filipinos, through Spanish-influenced dance music and art songs express their feelings towards each other and the environment, their history, and their religious beliefs through voice and musical instruments. 

A group musical theatre performance of the songs and dances with an accompaniment on found objects and instruments of the Rondalla will culminate the educational experience.


When the Spaniards came to the Philippines in the year 1521, they brought along not only their own culture but also European influence which marked the beginning f the cultivation of music as a fine art in the Philippines.

 The Spanish ministers of war and colonies desired that the Philippines should benefit from the educational changes sweeping Europe

Harana (Spanish ‘jarana’) – serenade; traditionally sung by a young man to a young woman outside the young woman’s house as a profession of his love to her. usually accompanied by a guitar.

Kumintang- originally a war song, this song in triple time can be of any topic: love, resentment, or a social commentary. It can also be a dance or a combination of song and dance in this style.

 It is the oldest and most popular song among Christian Filipinos. Originally a war song, then later became a plaintive song.

 It is a nocturnal song sung to the accompaniment of the violin, or guitar. 

It originated in Balayan, Batangas, so that Batangas is known as the province of Kumintang

Kundiman (kung hindi man) – an art song about the love of a man for a woman but can also be about patriotic sentiments, the woman as an object of love and sacrifice of the man representing the Philippines whose countrymen are willing to do sacrifices for freedom. 

It usually starts in a minor key and then goes to the major key.

Polka- a lively dance in duple time.

Pandanggo- originating from the fandango of Spain, it is a fast-paced dance in triple time. Usually

Rondalla- an ensemble of plucked instruments and sometimes with percussion

1. Bandurria- 14-stringed pear-shaped lute with a round sound hole and played with a plectrum, it             plays the melody in the rondalla ensemble.

2. Laud - 14-stringed pear-shaped lute with f-shaped sound holes and played with a plectrum, it plays the         alto part or counter melody in the Rondalla ensemble. 

    It is bigger than the Bandurria.

3. Octavina 14-stringed lute which is shaped like a small guitar and played with a plectrum, it plays a               counter melody or harmony fill-in in the Rondalla ensemble.

4. Bajo de Uñas - a bass guitar which looks like a big guitar and is played by a plectrum.

     It plays the bass part and serves as a rhythmic support.