The influence of Western models can be traced to the early works of Buenaventura. Webner, Wagner, and his foreign teachers, Alexander Lippay and Von Tackacs greatly influenced his musical style. His foundation, taught by his inspiration and professor Nicanor Abelardo also depended on European tradition as music education was based on foreign countries back then.
The works of Buenaventura may be classified as neoclassical and neo-romantic in style based on native materials in the Philippine socio-historical context. The use of chords in a series of overtones producing a new, fresh, and distinct Filipino sound is his signature style, making his compositions “attuned to the times” as identified by one of his music critics, Vilma Santiago-Felipe. Buenaventura infused a significant musical innovation in which he incorporated the use of chords built from a series of six overtones instead of the usual plain triad or seventh chord usage in Western music and distributed the chord into two separate chords. He was also credited for setting a modern approach in compositional technique that was never employed before as he wrote a counterpoint in chromatic harmony, vertical and horizontal, against a principal melodic line written in atonal form. He effectively demonstrated the Philippine distinct sound by retaining the folk melody intact and creating accompaniment materials that feature traditional Western music elements.
Buenaventura’s musical creativity formed a new and distinctly Filipino sound that is pensive, mellow, and subtle, yet expansive and assertive, indicating the triumph of Filipino identity despite foreign influences.
References:
- Buenaventura’s musical style: its impact on Philippine music and cultural development. [Excerpts from a forthcoming book, Antonino R. Buenaventura: seven decades of Filipino music]. Antonino R. Buenaventura Papers (Box 1, Folder 1). University Archives Division, University Library, University of the Philippines.
- Martinez, E. M. M. (1995). The life and music of colonel Antonino Buenaventura: A study of three major orchestral works
- The Buenaventura touch: from ethnic themes to musical masterpiece. Arts & Leisure, 16. Antonino R. Buenaventura Papers (Box 1, Folder 3). University Archives Division, University Library, University of the Philippines.