Internationally awarded accordionist Antenógenes Silva is also noted for his participation as accompanist of famous artists in the radio days. A successful solo artist, he had hits with valses "Saudades do Matão" (Jorge Galati/Raul Torres, 1938) and "Ave Maria" (Erotides de Campos, 1939). As a composer, he had success with "Pisando Corações" (with Ernâni Campos), which was recorded by Augusto Calheiros in 1936, valses "Uma Grande Dor Não Se Esquece" (with Ernâni Campos), and "Santa Teresinha," recorded by Gilberto Alves in 1943, among several others. Throughout his career, he recorded about 320 songs in more than 150 78s and several LPs. He learned to play the eight-bass accordion with his father in his hometown. He wrote his first song at 14. At 21, he moved to Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, and became a professional. In the next year, he moved to the capital and played in bars and in the Rádio Educadora Paulista. The first record came in 1929, with his choro "Gostei De Tua Caída," followed by his valse "Norma," both by Victor. In 1933, he moved to Rio and signed with Victor, becoming nationally famous. Also in that year, he performed in Argentina. In 1934, he moved to Odeon. He was the first accordionist to perform at the Teatro Municipal. In that period, he had formal music instruction on harmony and orchestration with renowned composer/conductor Guerra Peixe. He was acknowledged as one of world's best accordionists in the Hohner Festival (Germany), where he won the first prize in the eight-bass category. ~ Alvaro Neder, All Music Guide