Narratives from some critics, writers and artists

“If properly introduced abroad it could probably achieve the popularity of the “Enchanted Lake” and the “Afternoon of a Faun”… There is no reason under the tropical sun why the world of music should not acclaim distinguished Filipino composers as they have acclaimed Ravel of France and Sibelius of Finland”

Joseph M. Hopkins
(After hearing “By the Hillside” at the Rex Theater, Chinatown, Manila, 1945)

“Of the lot, Antonino Buenaventura’s “Three Tone-Sketches” seemed to mirror stylistic and compositional devices of the present, i.e., he has grown attuned to the times. The three-movement work for strings and wings delineated the composer’s perception of a realization of the onslaught of changes in our national life in the first sketch: a “reverie” and contemplated second sketch, so characteristic of the Buenaventura pensive style: and a resolute “reaffirmation” of the nation’s strides to overcome all trials. It is so heartwarming to note how today’s eldest living composer is up to his calling.”

Vilma Santiago Felipe
Manila Daily Bulletin
6 December 1986

Excerpts from the two letters to Antonino Buenaventura by Redentor Romero, conductor:

12 January 1971

“Your work, along with that of the American composer Walter Piston, has been chosen as one of the many that I will be interpreting during my guest-conductor tour of the Soviet Union beginning late this month.

This, I believe, is quite a significant milestone in Philippine music history for this will be the first time that a Filipino orchestral composition will be played on Soviet soil as conducted by the first Filipino conductor to lead Russian orchestras.”

27 April 1971

“I am pleased to inform you that the performances of your work “Mindanao Sketches” by Russian and Greek orchestras under my baton were well received.

Under separate cover, I am enclosing a souvenir poster in Russian with your name and composition, as well as souvenir programs and reviews. Movies were also taken while your work was being performed. This will be shown on Thursday, April 29, 6 p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Cultural Center and you might be interested to see it, so let this serve as an invitation to you and Aling.”

“The Commission of Music in the Liturgy has the honor to possess the 4th Centennial Hymn which you have graciously written for the Archdiocese of Manila.. We are short of words to make you realize how beautifully you have arrived at our envisioned hymn. Very religious and yet very Filipino!”

Letter of Gratitude from Institute of Music in the Liturgy 1976

Periodical clippings:

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