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Antonio Molina
Antonio Molina from the Order of National Artists (NCCA)
Born
Antonio Jesús Naguiat Molina

(1894-12-26)December 26, 1894[1]: 147 [2]
Quiapo, Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines
DiedJanuary 29, 1980(1980-01-29) (aged 85)[2]
Republic of the Philippines
NationalityFilipino
Occupation(s)Composer, conductor and music administrator
Known forAna Maria, Hatinggabi
Awards Order of National Artists of the Philippines

Antonio Jesús Naguiat Molina (December 26, 1894 – January 29, 1980) was a Filipino composer, conductor and music administrator. He was named a National Artist of the Philippines for his services to music. He was also known as the "Claude Debussy" of the Philippines due to his use of impressionist themes in music.

Early life

Molina was born on December 26, 1894, in Quiapo, Manila, the son of Juan Molina, a government official, who founded the Molina Orchestra.[1]: 147  He attended the Escuela Catolica de Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, and college at San Juan De Letran where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1909.

Musical career

Molina made his first composition in 1912 titled Matinal, which is preserved in an unpublished volume called Miniaturas, Vol. 1.[1]: 147  He was appointed to teach harmony, composition, music history, and violincello at the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music, pursuing a career in music education until being appointed dean of the Centro Escolar Conservatory of Music. He founded the Centro Escolar University String Quartet, which was professionally organized and financed by its music school.

As a composer, Molina is credited with over 500 compositions. Not only that, he also taught musical composers such as Felipe Padilla de Leon and Lucresia Kasilag, who would later became Philippine National Artists themselves.[2]

Influences

Molina stated in his interview conducted by Helen F. Samson that his music was usually inspired by literature, with his favorite being La Novia Muerta by Ruben Daria.[1]: 146 

Death and legacy

Molina died, aged 85, on January 29, 1980; a result of heart failure.[2]

According to the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Molina is credited for introducing the whole tone scale, linear counterpoint, pentatonic scale, dominant ninths. and eleventh chords, especially in local Filipino music.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Samson, Helen (1976). Contemporary Filipino Composers. Olongapo City: Manlapaz Publishing Company.
  2. ^ a b c d "Antonio J. Molina: 'Dean of Filipino Composers'". Inquirer News. INQUIRER.net.
  3. ^ "Order of National Artists: Antonio J. Molina". National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
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