Rosalina Abejo - Overture 1081 (1974)

Rosalina Abejo - Overture 1081 (1974)

Rosalina Abejo conducting the Philippine Symphony Orchestra

0:00 I. 1st Movement
6:14 II. Andante Cantabile

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Rosalina Abejo's Overture 1081 was written in commemoration of Proclamation no. 1081 that places the Philippines into Martial Law. This piece is an idealistic view of Martiaw Law-era Philippines, called "New Society" by President Ferdinand Marcos, the President during Martial Law and whom the piece was dedicated.

The 1st movement starts with a big cymbal crash and "an octet of horns and trumpets" based on motifs of the National Anthem (and Tchaikovsky.). The moving introduction builds up into this climax stating the first bars of the National Anthem. It then follows a graceful section before being interrupted several times and the mood turning dark. This represents the struggles of the country before the enactment of the New Society.

The 2nd movement, Andante Cantabile, represents the New Society: "Peace reigns. Discipline. Restoration of order" This movement is the New Society translated into music.
After a while the mood suddenly shifted into a dark and turbulent section. Strains of hope is heard as the section attempts to modulate into major. A more triumphant countermelody appears in the brasses and wind and it eventually covers the turbulence of the strings, signifying triumph from darkness.

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Recording: Overture 1081 (LP)