Biography
Antenógenes Silva, an accordionist honored on the international stage, gained recognition through his role accompanying prominent performers during the era of radio broadcasts. His achievements as an independent performer included popular valses such as "Saudades do Matão," composed by Jorge Galati and Raul Torres in 1938, along with "Ave Maria" from Erotides de Campos in 1939. In his compositional efforts, "Pisando Corações," created alongside Ernâni Campos, achieved notice when Augusto Calheiros captured it on record in 1936; additional valses like "Uma Grande Dor Não Se Esquece," also a collaboration with Ernâni Campos, and "Santa Teresinha" found success via Gilberto Alves's 1943 recording, together with numerous further pieces. Across his professional span, roughly 320 tracks appeared on over 150 78 rpm discs plus multiple LPs. His initial training on the eight-bass accordion occurred under his father's guidance in his birthplace. Composition of his debut piece took place when he reached age 14. Relocating at 21 to Ribeirão Preto in São Paulo marked his entry into professional work. The following year brought a shift to the capital city, where performances occurred in bars and over Rádio Educadora Paulista. Victor issued his inaugural recording in 1929, featuring the choro "Gostei De Tua Caída" and then the valse "Norma." Upon moving to Rio in 1933 and inking a contract with Victor, national prominence followed, with an appearance that same year in Argentina. A switch to Odeon happened in 1934. He became the inaugural accordionist featured at Teatro Municipal. Formal studies in harmony and orchestration came from the esteemed composer and conductor Guerra Peixe during this phase. The Hohner Festival in Germany recognized him among the globe's premier accordionists by awarding first prize in the eight-bass division.
Albums
