Ave Maria - Francisco Santiago

A selection from my recital.
Abagail Link, soprano
Victoria Tognozzi, violin
John Cozza, piano

[@HaritheRenaissanceMan]

Thank you (all three of you) for doing this composition justice. Not too many people do. I had the unique opportunity to meet Francisco Santiago's son, Dr. Jose Santiago, at his wife's birthday party in the Bay Area some 10 years ago or so. Francisco Santiago (1889-1947) is a very important composer in Filipino history. His kundimans (Filipino art songs) are some of the most exquisite. If you're up to the challenge of singing in Tagalog, learn them. His eldest son, Dr. Santiago told me the harrowing story of how he tried rescuing some of his father's manuscripts during the burning of Manila during WWII, all in vain. Ave Maria is a testament to his father's genius, and probably his only composition to be appreciated outside of Filipino circles. Santiago was a friend of American composer, Amy Beach, and the dedication on the printed sheet music is in fact to her (under her married name). My understanding though, was that the original person the song was dedicated to was his own wife, herself a gifted soprano. Blessings and aloha from Honolulu.

[@karinvasu3005]

this is really amazing...god bless to you and his son! so unfortunate that the manuscripts werent able to be salvaged...

[@patriciaadams-rl4iz]

Thank-you for the beautiful performance.

[@dennisconcepciongungon6655]

The famous Ave Maria from Santiago and performed very well by the singer, pianist and violist. The violin perfectly accompanied the piano with full expression of supplication. Thank you very much for sharing this video and if may I add the soprano has a nice angelic voice.

[@ArielleBCruz]

I have an unstoppable goose bump while listening to this sacred music. Thank you for the fabulous performance. i felt the tears rolling in my face. Excellent!

[@rustycuanico294]

Ave Maria Francisco Santiago ... Filipino Composer

[@dianesantiago5925]

oh my gosh I love this!! Ahhh my great grandfather composed this can you sing this at my wedding one day

[@AbagailGrayce]

oh wow, is it really your great grandfather? How wonderful! I love the piece a lot, it is so nice to sing an Ave Maria people don't know well. :) We can talk when you're ready ;)

[@jeromeramos4158]

Are you from sta maria bulacan (philippines) too?

[@dianejsantiago]

Abagail Link yes oh my gosh!!!! You sang well!!!! Let’s connect

[@VincentJoeyLopez]

Where can we get a clean copy of the sheetmusic?

[@pepeoliveros1947]

I read somewhere that the late Dr. Francisco Santiago composed this Ave Maria for his wedding.

[@DeLaCruzer11]

great voice and beautiful singing.

[@RobertShroder]

👏👏👏Beautiful. Bravo!

[@jonathanbarzaga8967]

Hello Ma'am, may I use some part of this music to our documentary film about Francisco Santiago. Please, I assure that you will get proper credit.♥️

[@ramonmiranda223]

Bravo! Thanks for posting. (Where did you find this piece?)

[@AbagailGrayce]

+Ramon R. Miranda Thank you! It was given to me by a voice coach and has been a favorite find. I have a pdf if you are looking for music for it.

[@ramonmiranda223]

+Abagail Link Thanks. I have the score somewhere, although if I do not find it soon, I may come back and ask you to send the pdf. I hope that you still include it in your recitals, at least once in a while.

[@ihearteeyore]

My grandfather Dr. Francisco Santiago composed many songs but this one is my favorite.

[@maalat]

What an honor to connect with the Santiago family.