Antonio Berlini

Origin

Ariano nel Polesine, Italy

Years Active

1929–1939

Genres

samba, waltz, polka, tango

Instruments

accordion, vocals

Biography

Antonio Berlini was an Italian-born singer, composer, and accordionist who made a significant impact on Brazilian music after immigrating with his family and settling in the interior of São Paulo. After living in Ribeirão Preto, he moved to Catanduva in the late 1920s, where he famously taught accordion techniques to the legendary composer and accordionist Mario Zan.

His artistic peak occurred between the late 1920s and early 1930s, a period during which he recorded for major labels such as Odeon, Victor, Columbia, and Parlophon. Berlini made his radio debut in 1929, performing his own waltz "Primeiro amor" and the samba "Festa na aldeia", establishing himself as a versatile artist who explored various genres including polkas, maxixes, tangos, and fox-trots.

Throughout his career, Berlini released fifteen 78 RPM records, featuring a remarkable nineteen original compositions out of his total recorded works. His eclecticism was highlighted by popular recordings like the 1930 samba "Cuscus da baiana", ensuring his lasting place in the history of early Brazilian recorded music alongside contemporaries like Mario Zan.