Written in 1939, this song is about shining a light and giving hope. Lahat ng Araw, more popularly known as “Silayan” for its opening word, was written by Miguel Velarde, Jr., the same composer of the ever popular Dahil sa Iyo.
I have such deep respect for composers who can write indelible and beloved melodies. A melody by definition must be simple, uncontrived. The act of stringing together a diatonic series of notes that elicits emotions and trancends time is no easy feat.
I believe a great melody comes from something undefinable – the closest thing a composer has of being visited by a muse and leaving you a gift. It is magic.
Schubert, Beethoven, Mozart, Piazzolla, Gershwin, to name a few, and don’t forget, the The Beatles, were definitely visited many times over.