ALVARO SEVERINO

Composer, Musician, Guitarist, Educator, Creative

News

New Releases

Original composition based on Olivier Messiaen’s Mode 3 | Harmonic tensions, voice-leading, and new colors This piece is an original composition written and performed by me, inspired by Messiaen’s Mode 3. After many hours of deep analysis, I became interested in a kind of system within the system: specific voice-leading movements that create unique harmonic tensions and unexpected colors. One of the ideas present in the piece comes from the relationship between the triads B (1–5–7) → C (1–3–7), a progression that opens unusual harmonic paths within Mode 3. From this starting point, I developed many other voice-leading movements that shaped the entire work. My focus here is primarily harmonic rather than melodic. I believe that symmetric modes reveal their full expressive potential when explored through harmony, internal frictions, and the colors that emerge from slow-moving voices. Playing fast can always sound interesting, but in this piece I tried to let tension and harmony define the identity of the music.

Get the score here!

The album Stay Together, where I had the pleasure of participating as a sideman, was officially released on October 18. Here's the link—enjoy!

Additionally, I'd like to present a production by my friend and colleague Pablo Sáez, where I had the honor of contributing as a guitarist. Stay Together is a fascinating album, thanks to the variety of musical colors achieved by composer Pablo Sáez. The ensemble is a decet featuring highly skilled musicians from the NRW region in Germany, with participants from Chile, Brazil, Peru, the United States, and Germany.

Beyond my role as a musician, I also had the opportunity to create the album's artwork, aiming to capture the multiculturalism expressed through its vibrant colors. I hope you enjoy it!

October 22—Today, I'm pleased to share the release of a very special album in which I had the pleasure of participating on a few tracks, including Grauer Wald, Pathwaves, Overthinking, and One Stone. The concept was completely free, pure improvisation with no prior agreement, aimed at creating atmospheres and sustaining an aesthetic idea. It was an absolute joy to share this experience with Joan, and I'm very happy that we now have a record of such a special moment.