Discourses on music and musicians during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines (1941-1945)

Abstract

Not much has been written about music in the Philippines during the Japanese period (1941-1945). Perhaps the bitterness and animosity associated with the said regime had prevented musical historians from pursuing research along this area. Even though the economic and political issues of the era had been dealt with sufficiently, the cultural aspect of this period has re- mained relatively unexplored. The papers in this panel constitute efforts to provide information on the cultural and musical activities of the time. The first paper entitled, "Church Music in the Philippines during the Japanese Occupation," gives an overview of the prevailing conditions of church music in the country during the period. It has been found that religion and music played a vital role in the Japanese propaganda movement, which aimed to enlist the support of the Filipino people. An- other paper, "Filipino Concert Artists during the Second World War: An Account of their Triumphs and Tribulations," consists of narrative accounts of the lives of Filipino concert artists and how their careers flourished or floundered during the war. The paper recalls the determination with which the country's concert artists armed themselves in such difficult times, risking life and limb while remaining dedicated to their art. The third paper, "Musical Theatre and Other Related forms of Entertainment in Manila during the Japanese Occupation," surveys the development of musical theatre and other musical forms of entertainment in Manila during the said period. It attempts to provide a glimpse of the theatrical milieu in Manila as well as evaluate musical forms and genres that were popular during the era.