Listen & Learn
Volume I: Works for Piano
The pieces range from polkas and habaneras to mazurkas and gavotas, and demonstrate Nakpil’s musical maturity and ability to incorporate both European and native Philippine musical influences in his compositions. The album showcases Nakpil’s early attempts at nationalism in his works, as well as his creative expression of liberal ideas and calls for freedom.
Volume II: Works for Piano
In the late 19th century, Julio Nakpil wrote a number of piano compositions, which are included on this album. The compositions’ mixture of Spanish and Italian inspirations shows how well-versed Nakpil was in the concepts of the age of enlightenment. The album contains compositions like “Danse Campestre: Habanera para Concierto” and “Teatro Luisa: Polka Brillante,” both of which are devoted to women in his life. Nakpil’s “Kundiman: Lakad-Tagalog” is especially notable because it was one of his initial attempts to include native Filipino musical genres into his compositions. In addition, the record features a waltz, a pas à quatre, and a paso-doble, demonstrating Nakpil’s flexibility as a composer. Overall, volume II is a musical celebration of Nakpil’s musical influences and the cultural activities of his age.
Volume III: Works for Voices and Chamber Ensemble
The compositions cover a wide range from tributes to significant individuals like Rizal and Sor Maria de la Cruz to works motivated by love and sadness. The songs highlight Nakpil’s musical prowess and capacity for emotional expression, especially in the way he uses straightforward harmonic progressions to produce powerful and emotive vocal compositions. The record serves as an important illustration of Nakpil’s musical contributions to Philippine history and culture.
Volume IV: Works for Band and Orchestra
This series’ fourth and final album contains a compilation of works created for military band and orchestra. The pieces are known for their patriotic and emotional themes, and are considered some of the most significant works in Philippine classical music. They are a mixture of funeral marches, pas de quatres, and military marches, and are dedicated to important figures in Philippine history, such as Jose Rizal, Teodoro Sandiko, and Antonio Luna, as well as to his own loved ones who passed away during World War II.