RONDALLA WORKS

WHAT IS A RONDALLA?

Rondalla refers to the native string ensemble indigenous to the Philippines. Of Spanish origin, the rondalla's functions, repertoire, and instrumentation prove distinctly Filipino. The Filipino people not only modified the appearance and acoustical design of the European models, but also developed the instruments to have a wider range, versatility, and more resonance. 

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The rondalla consists of several plectrum instruments:

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Bandurria

Laud

Octavina

Guitarra

Double Bass

Bandurria is pear-shaped and has a round sound hole. It is the mainstay of the group, usually carrying the main melody; may be divided into first, second, and third.

Laud is bigger than the bandurria and has a longer neck and two   f   sound holes.

Octavina is smaller than the guitar and has a shorter neck and round sound hole. Both instruments play the lower notes and counterparts in unison with the bass. 

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Guitarra has six strings and long-fretted neck. Plays the accompaniments and provides the permanent rhythm for the group using chordal and arpeggio accompaniments.

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Double Bass is the largest instrument of the rondalla and has four strings with two sound holes. It provides the fundamental tone and reinforces the rhythm.

Musical Converge II, Union County Coll, Cranford, NJ. with Mexican Folklorico, April 21, 2001

Bayani in rehearsal with cast of Mga Sugatang Perlas, 1992

Below are select performances and arrangements: 

Mga Himig Pilipino (Philippine Airs)

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The following select rondalla arrangements, all by Bayani Mendoza de Leon, are included in the CD entitled "Mga Himig Pilipino" as rendered by the Paaralang Pilipino Rondalla.

Alaala (Philippine Memories)

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The following select rondalla arrangements, all by Bayani Mendoza de Leon, are included in the CD entitled "Alaala" as rendered by the Paaralang Pilipino Rondalla.

Lawiswis Kawayan

(Rustling Bamboo)

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The following select rondalla arrangements, all by Bayani Mendoza de Leon, are included in a CD entitled "Lawiswis Kawayan" as rendered by the University of the Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla.

Track List

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1. Pambunggad

2. Jota Filipina

3. Magallanes

4. Hatinggabi

5. Halina Sa Kabukiran

6. Tagala 

7. Haplit

8. Pandanggo Sa Tapis

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9. Chotis

10. Jota Batangueña 

11. Pandagguhan

12. Ang Mayang Malungkot

13. Ang Maya

14. Sa Lupang Sarili

15. Masaganang Kabukiran

16. Lawiswis Kawayan

Lakbay-Himig (Melodic Journey)

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The following select rondalla arrangements, all by Bayani Mendoza de Leon, are included in the CD entitled "Lakbay-Himig" as rendered by the Alay Philippine Performing Arts Rondalla.

Magandang Pilipinas

(Beautiful Philippines)

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The joy of Philippine music at its sparkling best becomes yours in the following rondalla arrangements, all by Bayani Mendoza de Leon, with the joint rondallas of the PASACAT Dance Company and the SAMAHAN Philippine Dance Company. The following select pieces are all included in the CD entitled "Magandang Pilipinas".

Mga Katutubong Himig Pilipino

(Native Philippine Airs)

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The following select rondalla arrangements, all by Bayani Mendoza de Leon, are included in the CD entitled "Mga Katutubong Himig Pilipino" as rendered by the Foundation for Filipino Artists Rondalla.

Track List

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1. Pistahan (Festival)

2. Naraniag A Bulan (The Moon Is Beautiful)

3. O Ilaw (Oh Brightness!)

4. Leron-Leron Sinta (Have Fun, My Love)

5. Sampaguita (National Flower)

6. Kung Nagsasayaw Kita (When We Dance)

7. Maalaala Mo Kaya (Will You Remember?)

8. Pandanggo Ni Neneng (Neneng's Pandanggo Dance)

9. Sa Dalampasigan (By The Shore)

10. Ilocana Nasudi (Charming Ilocana Girl)

11. Awit Ni Maria Clara (Song of Maria Clara)

12. Sa Sariling Bayan (IN ONe's Native Land)

13. Mabuhay (Long Live!)

14. Pilipinas (Philippines)

Paskohan Sa Pilipinas

(Christmas in the Philippines)

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The following select rondalla arrangements were among the pieces performed by the PASACAT rondalla in a Christmas concert dubbed "Paskohan sa Pilipinas" back in December 18, 1982, and held in the Mandeville Theatre of the University of California in San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla. These pieces showcase the Philippine rondalla's capability to play not only traditional tunes but also music couched in contemporary idioms such as jazz, ragtime, and other western pop styles.

Sa Hardin Ng Musika 

(In The Garden of Music)

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The following select rondalla arrangements, all by Bayani Mendoza de Leon, are included in the CD entitled "Sa Hardin Ng Musika," as rendered by the Alay Philippine Performing Arts Rondalla.

Sangandaan (Crossroads)

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The following select rondalla arrangements, including the ones that accompany the singing, all by Bayani Mendoza de Leon, are included in the CD entitled "Crossroads" as rendered by the Philippine Chamber Rondalla, with Cynthia Wuco Landes as soprano soloist.

Sangandaan (Crossroads)

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The following select rondalla arrangements, including the ones that accompany the singing, all by Bayani Mendoza de Leon, are included in the CD entitled "Crossroads" as rendered by the Philippine Chamber Rondalla, with Cynthia Wuco Landes as soprano soloist.

Track List

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1. Pandagguhan

2. Moonlight in the Philippines

3. Mutya Ng Pasig

4. Walay Manok Kon Taras

5. Ang Tangi Kong Pag-Ibig

6. Tapis Mo Inday

7. Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal

8. May Isang Tsuper Ng Taksi

9. Aria from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5

10. Sin Tu Amor

11. Tango in D

12. Libertango

13. Pizzicato Caprice

14. Sa Libis Ng Nayon