Kundiman: Pakiusap - Arrigo Pola (1952)

Pakiusap - Arrigo Pola (1952) Filipino Kundiman
A breath-taking timeless Kundiman art song, 'Pakiusap' was composed by the late Dr. Francisco Santiago in 1921. With its articulate words written by Jesus Balmori and Jose Corazon De Jesus, it expresses the anguish contained in the plea of a loving heart that begs to be heard and answered. This "hauntingly beautiful" Kundiman art song is now indelibly associated with Santiago's name.

Interpreted by one of the best Italian tenor, the late Arrigo Pola (b.1919 -d.1999) with musical accompaniment by by Dominic Salustiano and the Regtar Symphony Orchestra. Audio from a vintage 78 RPM shellac recording ("Pakiusap, Sung by Arrigo Pola," Regtar Record, R-R6 A, Philippines).

ARRIGO POLA IN THE PHILIPPINES

Arrigo Pola was born in Modena, Italy in 1919. Pola is one of the most acclaimed tenors in the world. A distinguished music teacher, he was voice teacher of Luciano Pavarotti. Pola arrived in the Philippines in 1951 and became instantly popular with the Filipino audience. In a short period of time, Pola mastered Tagalog Kundiman songs to the delight of the Filipinos.

In 1952, Pola recorded popular Kundiman Art songs like 'Pakiusap', 'Ang Dating Sumpaan', 'Kundiman 1800', 'Anak ng Dalita', and 'Magbalik Ka Hirang', all of which were beautifully interpreted. Hearing these Kundiman songs rendered by an Italian tenor was a marvelous experience for Filipino audiences.

Pola's popularity in the Philippines became widespread and he was invited to many important musical performances including singing engagements at the MalacaƱang Palace, with no less than Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay as audience.

Arrigo Pola stayed in the Philippines for three years from 1951 to 1954.

Filipino Kundiman: Pakiusap - Arrigo Pola (1952)



Video and Article by Philclassic

Comments