2. Antonio Jesús Naguiat Molina (December
26, 1894 – January 29, 1980)
Was a Filipino composer, conductor and music administrator.
He was named a National Artist of the Philippines for his
services to music.
He was also known as the Claude Debussy of the Philippines due
to his use of impressionist themes in music.
3. Early life
• Molina was born on December 26, 1894
in Quiapo, Manila, the son of Juan Molina, a government
official, who founded the Molina Orchestra. He attended
the Escuela Catolica de Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno
in Quiapo, Manila, and college at San Juan De
Letran where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree
in 1909.
4. Musical career
• Molina made his first composition in 1912 titled Matinal, which is
preserved in an unpublished volume called Miniaturas, Vol. 1.
• He was appointed to teach harmony, composition, music history,
and violincello at the UP Conservatory of Music, pursuing a
career in music education until being appointed dean of the
Centro Escolar Conservatory of Music.
• He founded the CEU String Quartet which was professionally
organized and financed by its music school.
• As a composer Molina is credited with over 500 compositions.
5. Influences
• Molina stated in his interview conducted by Helen F. Samson that his music
was usually inspired by literature, with his favorite being La Novia Muerta by
Ruben Daria.
Death
• Molina died on January 29, 1980 at age 85.