CD jacket of a Kundiman collection
The kundiman is a lyrical love song made popular in the Philippine Islands, which dates back to the Spanish period.
Composed in the Mexican-Spanish tradition, kundiman music is characterized by a minor key at the beginning and shifts to a major key in the second half. Its lyrics depict a romantic theme, usually portraying love, passion, or sadness.
In other styles of the harana or kundiman tradition, the music is based on a love story. Almost all traditional Philippine love songs in this genre are portrayed with poetic emotion.
Long live the Kundiman!
Sample a kundiman performance here by Pilita Corrales, Kapantay Ang Langit :
