Kundiman Art Song-Nasaan Ka Irog? - Sylvia La Torre

One of Nicanor Abelardo's immortal Kundiman composition is "Nasaan Ka Irog". Its original Tagalog lyrics were written by Narciso Asistio and Jesus Balmori wrote the lyrics in Spanish. Interpreted by Sylvia La Torre under the music supervision of Leopoldo Silos. Audio from a vintage vinyl phonograph recording (Kundiman -Sylvia La Torre, Villar Records, Mareco Inc).

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NICANOR ABELARDO
Exponent of the Kundiman
(Feb 7, 1893 -March 21, 1934)


Nicanor Abelardo was born in San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan, the eldest of eight children of Valentin Abelardo and Placida Santa Ana. His formal Education was desultorily obtained. He attended the town school in San Miguel and later on attended several schools in Manila, finishing his primary course in 1905 at the Quiapo Primary School. He enrolled at the Conservatory of Music, University of the Philippines when it opened in 1916, receiving his teacher's certificate in Science and Composition in 1921. The following year, he finished a post graduate course.

In 1931, he received a grant from the University of the Philippines which enabled him to go abroad and pursue advanced musical studies at the Chicago Musical College. He returned to his native country in 1932 and was granted the Master's Degree in absentia after fulfilling academic requirements at the National University.

Throughout his life, Abelardo had to work to support himself and his own family. He also supported his younger sisters. He held all types of odd jobs-first as pianist in small and low class theaters, then as orchestra conductor of bigger and better class theaters. During his students days, he held assistantship in solfeggio and harmony and in his junior year in 1919, he was appointed instructor "based solely on merit and recognition of ability." At the same time, he had to supplement his income and worked as a pianist and orchestra director of the Lerma Cabaret. After his graduation he directed a Jazz band at the Manila Hotel.

In 1924, he was appointed head of the Department of Composition at the U.P. Conservatory. For financial reasons he took in pupils outside of teaching hours and became director of the Sta. Ana Cabaret. This strenuous schedule took a heavy toll on his health. Abelardo died on March 21, 1934, leaving six children and a wife, Sixta Naguiat.

E. Arsenio Manuel lists 149 musical compositions by Abelardo. As a composer he was conscious of the wealth of native elements that were waiting for the artists hand to transmute into more subtle expressions. But it was his kundiman text and music that were so perfectly matched the melodies so successfully conveyed his fame, however will not rest solely on his achievement as a composer but also of his great ability as a teacher.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Kundiman
• Art
• Song
• Nasaan Ka Irog
• Nicanor Abelardo
• Sylvia La Torre
• Classical Music
• Philippines
• Filipino

[diapason007]

A lovely rendition.

[philclassic]

@diapason007 : the best interpretation so far

[DrChefPayatas]

buhay pa ba si Sylvia laTorre?di ku namatandaan kung kelan ku siya huling napanood.

[philclassic]

@DrChefPayatas: Buhay pa naman and she still sings from time to time, naka-based na siya sa US since 1980's pa.

[kakurangers1993]

I watched Paco Park Present today and I heard this song. This is the most beautiful song I've ever heard. Mabuhay ang kundimang Pilipino!

[aserado888]

first time i heard and get to know this song is when we visited a home for the aged in Naga city where in one of the Lola's sung this song, very memorable experience. I'm only 28 but the Kundimans are so dear to my heart...thanks for posting such kind of music.

[MrCharityconnection]

whoa !!! very lovely singing



[MsLadydiver]

You would think that Ms Sylvia would act like a diva because of all her accomplishments , but no, she is just a full time Lola, still in love with her husband of 56 years, cooks, does the laundry and sings in the choir in her local church in California. What a great role model for all Filipinos. She is indeed a classy lady. I just love her!

[migu1948carp]

What a great and beautiful voice!...Matchless perfection!

[philclassic]

@coy6642126 Thanks for sharing this memorable anecdote. You're lucky to have met in person this living cultural treasure, a rare jewel from the Philippines.

[coy6642126]

@coy6642126 Lo and behold, I was Ms. La Torre with an iron on her hand. The iron wasn't working properly as well. I recognized her right away and profusely apologized for all the inconveniences then immediately moved them to the presidential suite--complete with fresh flowers, scented candles by the jacuzzi and car service at her disposal. She signed a record for me and personally invited me to see the concert. Ms. La Torre is one classy lady--I have become a true admirer. Cocoy

[coy6642126]

In 2004, Ms. La Torre stayed at the hotel I was working at in Northern California. She was going to do a non-profit show. The group who invited her acquired the complimentary room--it was one of our economy/problem rooms. I didn't know they were already onboard when I came to work the next morning, only to be confronted by Ms. La Torre's husband. The reservation was under his name. So, I walked the poor gentleman back to their room to help them transfer their things into another room...

[philclassic]

@nancyfloressantos : Thanks. This Sylvia La Torre's vintage phonograph recording of Abelardo's Kundiman is one of my most cherished possession...