FLORANTE AGUILAR: The Art of Harana - Serenades for Guitar (Remastered)

Florante Aguilar

The Art of Harana - Serenades for Guitar (Remastered)

© 2008 New Art Media (659057802725)

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Harana are songs sung underneath the window to woo a woman in old Philippines. Played on solo classical guitar, these Spanish-influenced serenades are elegantly arranged and beautifully recorded.

notes

The Art of Harana - Serenades for Guitar

Harana is a traditional form of courtship in the Philippines in which a man woos a woman by singing underneath her window at night. Though this is universal, it was widely practiced in old Philippines with a set of protocols, a code of conduct, and a specific style of music.

In this endeavor, the most trusted instrument is the guitar where it's intimate sound complements the Spanish-influenced songs, not to mention the breezy and quiet air of a tropical night.

While the practice of harana has died, this recording arranged for solo guitar, preserves the music of a long-gone era of men unafraid to express their feelings through a serenade.

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More About the Practice Harana:

For a young man in colonial Philippines, it was certainly advantageous to possess musical abilities as it was often useful in wooing a Filipina woman. However, all is not lost if he lacks the talent. It was common practice to enlist friends as well as hire the best musicians in town. Thus, harana is not always a solitary endeavor. In fact, it was also considered a social event.

For the endeavor to be successful either or both of these 2 instances have to happen:

1) If the lady invites the man and his company inside for refreshments. It then becomes an impromptu mini-soiree.

2) If the lady joins in the singing. It is a little known fact that some harana pieces, such as Maala-ala Mo Kaya (track #4) is a good example, actually have sections where the lady is invited to sing her part.

Harana is an exclusively nocturnal practice. Because of the daytime tropical weather, the evening offers respite from the heat. It becomes the time when everybody comes alive, full of romantic ideas, and as is typical of Filipino nature, always ready to enjoy the company of friends and loved ones. It was during this old Philippines, before the widespread use of electricity, that harana was at its ripest.

I once asked a Manang (elderly Filipina) who lived in a rural area why she thought the practice of harana has died. She apparently was serenaded many times in her youth. She wryly replied "Hijo, I think it's rather difficult for a man to sing under the window of a woman who lives on the 12th floor." Unscholarly maybe, but it was Manang's way of saying that modernity has killed it. Harana was conducive only in a rural setting, a quiet breezy evening, the moon visible, the stars twinkling, and the reasonable window height of a small hut.

reviews

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  • It's the Philippines...from the heart
    author: Ross Mancilla

    Harana died decades ago. But the music still lingers and still touches my heart and puts a smile on my lips every time I hear one. I have such music from the years of Pedro Concepcion (whose LP album I still have in my possession today), and until now that I am 48 years old, the music of the harana still lives in my heart and continues to give life to my being. And with your music, I firmly believe the harana will still live and be heard by the whole world for generations to come. Mabuhay ka Florante... Mabuhay ang Filipino!

  • YES that is the Philippines I knew!!!
    author: Mr. Albert A. PJOSEK (PJ)

    I first went to the Philippines in 1965 and kept flying in some times twice a month. In 1976 I retired from the US Air Force and went to live in the Philippines. Got married and had a wonderful son. Every chance I had to listen to these kind of songs I could feel the warmth in my heart of the sincerness of the performer. It is so sad that the only way we can gop back in time is through these BEAUTIFUL SONGS. HARANA!!!! Some times my Filipino friends tell me that I am more Filipino then them and yes I can feel it. Thank for the opportunity to be able to express my self like this. Mabuhay Filipinas.

  • Wonderful music
    author: jc

    Wow a very nice guitar music, i wish i can play a guitar like him :=)

  • A very relaxing, smooth, soothing music!
    author: Lito Reyes

    Your one of a kind music was arranged beautifully. The uniqueness of it sounds indeed shows that you are truly a Filipino. Perfect music to all! I even bought your DUO album. Lito R.-Toronto

  • author: Belna K.

    Bought and played this CD when I was pregnant and continued to play it after my little darling was born. I can definitely say that I, and more importantly, my baby loves it! It's so soothing and peaceful. It's also sentimental but not sappy. And it doesn't matter whether you're Filipino or not. It's just great beautiful guitar (baby) music.

  • Brings Back Memories. Great rendition of traditional songs.
    author: Maria van Olphen

    I played the CD to my parents and it brought back a lot of memories. Great selection of music. The CD came with brief history of a dying tradition - Harana.. This CD makes any filipino proud of his/her heritage.

  • A CD for all Filipino generations to enjoy.
    author: Marnie Fabro

    The music was beautiful and I loved how he included a brief history of the songs. As a Filipino American, I felt so connected to its cultural melodies. A CD every Filipino should share with their family and friends.

  • A Malay-Hispanic Lilting, idyllic and sentimental.
    author: Manolo Torres Andaluz

    For Hispanic-Filipino music researchers,this CD is a perfect introduction.

  • I loved this music! Wonderfully soothing.
    author: J. Murphy

    I loved this music! I am Filipino, so some of the melodies were already familiar, but I really enjoyed Aguilar's interpretations and the arrangements of the songs. I recommend it for anyone who appreciates soulful, melodic pieces. I bought a few extra copies of the CD for friends already!

  • great guitar playing by Florante Aguilar
    author: Marlon Bengson

    the music was really good. it was all nylon string guitar, no other instruments (if i rememeber correctly) and the performance of florante aguilar was remarkable. the best track however was the last one 'hindi kita malilimutan'. If you are a Filipino, i recommend this CD because it has many popular filipino tunes.

  • Great guitar music
    author: Peter Porto

    I've only listened a few times, but I certainly must say that this is a fantastic collection of guitar music. The Valdez pieces are great, and if you're a player you'll probably be trying to locate the music for them. The liner notes for Hindi Kita Malilimutan mention that the melody can move people to tears, and I have to agree. I highly recommend this CD. Peter Porto

  • author: C. Garcia

    Wow, I've never heard anything so beautiful on the guitar. It's great music while you're having dinner, cuddling with your loved one, or if you want something peaceful to sleep with. But the great thing about this CD is that it stands on its own musically. You can just listen and soak in the music for music's sake. It's artful and performed with elan and elegance.

  • author: Ron Casey

    For those interested in something different, I would recommend this CD. The songs are Spanish in nature, yet unmistakably Filipino - romantic, and beautiful. This is music to relax to, hug your sweetie, and enjoy! Florante plays with a master's touch - a very nice CD!

  • author: Winston Veranga

    The songs are beautifully played and rendered! It brings back memories from the Philippines and so relaxing to listen to. Florante is definitely a master classical guitarist and technically superb! Looking forward for more tagalog or "harana" songs from him.

  • author: Heidi Hofer

    Great summer music - romantic and relaxing.

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