Ang Bayan ng PAKIL... sa ika-323 taong pagkakatatag May 11-12, 1999 (Isang Paggunita) - Pakil Anniversary Souvenir Program
MARCELO ADONAY Filipino Prince of Church Music
If European historians hail Giovanni Palestrina (1525-1594) of Italy [composer of masses, motets and madrigals] as the "Prince of Music" because of his musical genius, Filipino historians should acclaim Marcelo Adonay (1848-1928) as the "Prince of Church Music" because of his peerless genius in church music. A master organist, a violin and piano virtuoso, a gifted composer, and a scholarly music teacher, Adonay ranks among the great men of our nation.
This great musician was born in Pakil, Laguna, on February 6, 1848, the eldest of the 11 children of Mariano Adonay and Prudencia Quiterio. From their father, Marcelo and his brothers inherited the talent and love for good music. The father was really a good musician who was a member of the town brass band and could play several musical instruments. No wonder Marcelo and his brothers were musically minded and easily learned to play various instruments.
At the age of eight, Marcelo was brought by his uncle to Manila, where he became a houseboy in the convent of the Augustinian friars. The kind Augustinian Padres taught him Spanish, Latin, and Christian Cathechism. In addition to these academic studies, an old Padre organist, having discovered Marcelo's talent for music, taught him the solfeggio and the fundamentals of organ playing. In due time, Marcelo became an accomplished organist. He also learned how to play the piano, violin, flute and trumpet. When his teacher, the old Padre organist, retired, he became the permanent organist of San Agustin Church [in Intramuros].
Aside from playing the organ and other musical instruments, Adonay tried his hand at music composing. His early musical compositions fascinated the Augustinian Padres who sent them to Spain, where they were greatly admired by Spanish music entics, particularly Fray Manuel Arostequi, a famous Augustinian friar composer. Among these early compositions of Adonay were Benedictus, an organ piece; Chant of Zacarias for stringed quartet; Liberame Domini for solo voice and double-bass accompaniment.
In 1870, at the age of 22, Adonay founded the orchestra of San Agustin Church composed of 25 musicians, including his four brothers. Under his baton, the orchestra became famous in Manila. It gave public performances which were warmly applauded by music lovers and praised by all newspapers.
Aside form his musical duties at San Agustin Church, Adonay taught music at Santa Catalina College, Santa Rosa College, Beaterio de la Compania de Jesus, and Centro de Bellas Artes. Many of his pupils later became distinguished musicians including Francisco Belarmino (piano virtuoso and composer), Pedro Navarro (noted band conductor), and Jose Vallejo (father of violin virtuoso Ernesto Vallejo).
As an orchestra conductor, Adonay was one of the best. His fame as a conductor was first achieved in August 1887, when he brilliantly conducted the premiere performance of Beethoven's Solemn Mass in D-Major at San Agustin Church. Four years later (1891), he masterfully interpreted Raparaz's Solemn Mass.
It was as composer of church music that Adonay will be acclaimed in history. Among his classic compositions of church music were O Vita Jesus, A La Nuestra Senora de Antipolo, A San Pascuala Bailon de Obando, La Turumba Pakil, Misa Regia, and Te Deum.
The last public appearance of Adonay was on the night of December 30, 1911, when he conducted his own patriotic composition Rizal Glorified at the Manila Grand Opera House. This composition was a symphonic fantasy depicting the seven phases in Rizal's life. Sonorously sad, yet beautifully thrilling, it was a fitting swan song of the great musician.
Adonay died in the peace of God at this time in Manila on February 8, 1928, aged 80. He was survived by his wife, Maria Vasquez. The last of his 13 children was Mrs. Marita A. Cadsawan.
[As] is the tragic fate of many great men, he died unhonored. But the bell of history, he helped up for his greatness.