Nicanor Santa Ana Abelardo was a Filipino composer known for his kundiman songs.
21 Facts About Nicanor Abelardo
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Nicanor Abelardo was born in San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan to Valentin Abelardo and Placida Santa Ana, on February 7,1893 His mother belonged to a family of artists in Guagua, the Henson.
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Nicanor Abelardo was introduced to music when he was five years old when his father taught him solfeggio, the bandurria, and the guitar at 6.
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Nicanor Abelardo learned the violin and other string instruments given to him by his father, and learned how to play quickly without much difficulty.
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Nicanor Abelardo saw a piano for the first time at a factory of one of his uncle's clients, and immediately taught himself how to play it.
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Nicanor Abelardo soon climbed up to the bigger and better-class theaters in the city.
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Nicanor Abelardo eventually became the leader of Cine Majestic Orchestra, an orchestra from a famous cinema.
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In 1916, Abelardo entered the newly-established University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music, taking courses under Guy F Harrison and Robert Schofield.
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Nicanor Abelardo took lessons in piano under Jose Estella, violin under Bonifacio Abdon, and voice under Victorino Carrion.
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Nicanor Abelardo continued conducting cinema orchestras and playing the piano at saloons and cabarets during this time, and this is the time when he began to drink alcohol.
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Nicanor Abelardo wrote most of his important works while teaching at the conservatory.
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Nicanor Abelardo accepted the offer despite his little savings, seeing his bright prospects in the future.
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Nicanor Abelardo began to drink in the early 1920s, and from that time onward, he did not pass a day without drinking alcohol.
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Nicanor Abelardo's music became popular in the college and with his Cinderella Overture, he was granted the LaViolette Scholarship award.
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Nicanor Abelardo returned to Manila in 1932 without his diploma, because he did not have enough academic credits.
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Nicanor Abelardo received the diploma after studying at the National University.
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Nicanor Abelardo resumed his teaching at the Conservatory after returning to Manila.
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Nicanor Abelardo eventually ran the boarding house himself when he returned.
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Nicanor Abelardo died on March 21,1934, because of heart failure due to alcoholic causes.
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Nicanor Abelardo was buried at the La Loma Cemetery on March 25,1934 with a Rose Croix Ceremonial.
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Nicanor Abelardo left behind various sketches of unfinished music, among them a symphony and an opera.