André Siqueira – Aura (self-release, 2024)
Brazilian guitarist and composer André Siqueira presents Aura, a masterful and elegant solo guitar album that brings together tradition with innovation. This self-released collection demonstrates his compositional talent and technical brilliance, offering a captivating exploration of Brazilian rhythms, harmonic complexity, and stellar technique.
The album features a mix of Siqueira’s newer works, like “Valsa Aquariana” and “Valsa Lunar,” alongside earlier pieces, such as “Frevo” and “Amendoim na Chuva.” Noteworthy are three prize-winning compositions: “Canto da Praia” (Novas 4/2019), “Atento ao Tempo” (winner of the Teresina Guitar Festival Composition Contest, 2023), and “Valsa Aquariana” (second place, 2024). Each piece reflects Siqueira’s command of polyrhythms, polymeter, and harmonic layering, techniques that push the limits of classical guitar performance.
Siqueira has a genre-defying approach as he gracefully navigates Brazilian styles such as frevo, chamamé (shared with Argentina), samba, and moçambique, while infusing his music with elements of impressionism and contemporary western classical influences. His use of the baritone guitar adds depth to tracks like “Flor de Lótus,” while polyrhythmic textures in pieces like “Serra Abaixo” highlight his innovative approach to composition.
Aura avoids the austerity often associated with solo guitar albums. Instead, Siqueira delivers a highly persuasive listening experience, balancing virtuosic execution with emotional depth. Pieces such as “Valsa Lunar” demonstrate his ability to create intricate yet accessible music, while the joyful “Amendoim na Chuva” closes the album on a nostalgic and uplifting note.
Other track highlights “Atento ao Tempo” features a pendular left-hand motion that sustains a melody through campanellas, producing resonant harmonic layers; “Frevo” presents rapid arpeggios which embody rhythmic energy, rooted in Brazilian popular culture; “Canto da Praia” is a chamamé-inspired piece with ternary and quaternary polyrhythms; on the other hand, “Serena” offers a charming waltz, composed in 1995, featuring expansive melodic lines; and “Serra Abaixo” is a tribute to rural Brazilian culture, combining ostinato patterns with melodic freedom.
Siqueira’s compositions reflect his life’s journey, intertwining personal experiences with a broader artistic vision. His exploration of sound transcends conventional labels of “popular” and “erudite,” bridging cultural and musical divides.
André Siqueira plays violão (guitar) and violão barítono (baritone guitar).
Buy Aura.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.