ONOMATOPOEIA:
The Choral Works of Nilo Alcala
The Philippine Madrigal Singers
Mark Anthony Carpio, choirmaster
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From the Greek words “onomat” (name) and “poiein” (to make),
onomatopœia is literally the formation of words
by imitating the sound it represents.
Words like “crash,” “splash,” “hush,” “hiss,” and “buzz”
instantly bring into mind the actual aural origin of the word.
This collection embodies a soundscape that is somewhat onomatopoeic
— compositions that imitate sounds from Filipino indigenous instrumental ensembles,
or attempt to give an aural representation of the essence of the text, poetry, or story
onomatopœia is literally the formation of words
by imitating the sound it represents.
Words like “crash,” “splash,” “hush,” “hiss,” and “buzz”
instantly bring into mind the actual aural origin of the word.
This collection embodies a soundscape that is somewhat onomatopoeic
— compositions that imitate sounds from Filipino indigenous instrumental ensembles,
or attempt to give an aural representation of the essence of the text, poetry, or story
WORKS BASED ON PHILIPPINE INDIGENOUS CHANTS
1) KAISA-ISA NIYAN
Based on a children's counting game from Maguindanao,
Kaisa-isa Niyan is Southern Philippine's equivalent
of "One...Two...Buckle My Shoe..."
Kaisa-isa Niyan is Southern Philippine's equivalent
of "One...Two...Buckle My Shoe..."
2) DOGALEN A MABASO
This is a folktale from the Maranao tribe
about the lovestruck lass Dogalen A Mabaso
who wants to charm the Sultan using the mystical Sarimanok
about the lovestruck lass Dogalen A Mabaso
who wants to charm the Sultan using the mystical Sarimanok
3) OLLONNO
This Bontoc folk tune speaks of a well-off maiden named Ollonno.
4) SUK SUK FEGESUK
The text comes from a Tiruray chant:
"Stab, stab it with a knife! Stab a hop on that bamboo"
"Stab, stab it with a knife! Stab a hop on that bamboo"
5) PAPANOK A LAKITAN
Based on a Maguindanao chant, the song is translated as:
"Messenger bird, Messenger bird,
Tell my beloved I am not too far away."
"Messenger bird, Messenger bird,
Tell my beloved I am not too far away."
6) BAGBAGTO
Bagbagto or Stone Wars is a composition based on
a well-known gibberish chant of the Igorot tribe
from Mountain Province in the Philippines.
Chanted during a ceremony that is no longer practiced,
the Igorots throw stones at each other in a “friendly battle” during the dry season.
A bloody encounter was believed to ensure a good harvest.
a well-known gibberish chant of the Igorot tribe
from Mountain Province in the Philippines.
Chanted during a ceremony that is no longer practiced,
the Igorots throw stones at each other in a “friendly battle” during the dry season.
A bloody encounter was believed to ensure a good harvest.
7) DAYO DAYO KUPITA
Dayo Dayo Kupita is based on a Magundanaon children's chant:
A child invites another to go to the river.
The other one is afraid to go because of creatures they might find there.
The one who's inviting assures the other of their safety.
A child invites another to go to the river.
The other one is afraid to go because of creatures they might find there.
The one who's inviting assures the other of their safety.
SECULAR POETRY
8) LA NOCHE DE MIL NOCHES
The poetry is an excerpt from Cataclismo, from Pablo Neruda’s Ceremonial Songs
“The night of a thousand and one nights
the shadow of a thousand shadows and a heartbeat,
the water of a thousand waters falling,
fire uncovering funnels, ashes dressed up like Medusa,
the Earth's lamentation.
I am a man. Why was I born to earth?
Where is the shroud? Is this death?”
“The night of a thousand and one nights
the shadow of a thousand shadows and a heartbeat,
the water of a thousand waters falling,
fire uncovering funnels, ashes dressed up like Medusa,
the Earth's lamentation.
I am a man. Why was I born to earth?
Where is the shroud? Is this death?”
9) SONG OF DAWN
Shimmering harmonies and textures attempt to bring
a sonic representation of dawn:
"Glints of gold play in a sea of gray
Morning has come, the chill is abating
Thin is the mist as the sun rises
An orb almost yellow, a glow evolving
Quiet keeps the peace as creatures stir
A warm day has begun, one so inviting."
Text: Anuraj Manibhandu
a sonic representation of dawn:
"Glints of gold play in a sea of gray
Morning has come, the chill is abating
Thin is the mist as the sun rises
An orb almost yellow, a glow evolving
Quiet keeps the peace as creatures stir
A warm day has begun, one so inviting."
Text: Anuraj Manibhandu
10) BAGONG UMAGA
The youth speaks out:
"Hear, there's a pulse in my chest.
Fiery is the spirit that speaks from within:
I am a channel of hope...I am your tomorrow...the new day"
Tagalog text: Nilo Alcala
"Hear, there's a pulse in my chest.
Fiery is the spirit that speaks from within:
I am a channel of hope...I am your tomorrow...the new day"
Tagalog text: Nilo Alcala
11) CEREMONIAL BURNING
"I have fears to burn
Thoughts too ill to let pervade
I know a flame that quickens inside must purge these wraiths.
I fan this flame and it craves for more kindling.
This torch of courage burns them, nothing escapes.
And when the embers have died
There’s new light from the ash
Behold this blaze inside my heart."
text: Nilo Alcala
Thoughts too ill to let pervade
I know a flame that quickens inside must purge these wraiths.
I fan this flame and it craves for more kindling.
This torch of courage burns them, nothing escapes.
And when the embers have died
There’s new light from the ash
Behold this blaze inside my heart."
text: Nilo Alcala
SACRED TEXTS
12) PATER NOSTER
Our Father who art in heaven...
13) AGNUS DEI
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world...
14) SA SILONG NG LANGIT
The title is roughly translated as, “Under the Heavens”
based on the following scripture:
"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven...
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace." Ecc. 3:1, 8.
Each main section corresponds to "seasons" of
LOVE, HATE, WAR, and PEACE.
based on the following scripture:
"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven...
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace." Ecc. 3:1, 8.
Each main section corresponds to "seasons" of
LOVE, HATE, WAR, and PEACE.
LINER NOTES/TEXTS AND TRANSLATION:
