Synergies
Antonio Soteldo “Musiquita”
Antonio Soteldo “Musiquita” is a Venezuelan composer and pianist of remarkable versatility, whose career spans multiple genres and musical styles, reflecting his relentless pursuit of finding the true essence of music. Raised in a musical family, he began his training at the prestigious Lino Gallardo academy, where he started to forge his artistic identity influenced by the rich musical tradition of his grandparents, parents, and uncles. From his earliest years, he showed a fascination with composition, driven by the desire to understand the origin of melodies and the feelings they convey.
Early Career in Venezuela
His professional career began in Venezuela, where he worked as a composer for television on channels such as Canal 5, RCTV, and the country’s second channel, creating music for entertainment programs. He also ventured into film, composing soundtracks for short films, and into theatre, where he collaborated closely with the group Arte de Venezuela, led by the renowned Levi Russell, for whom he composed the music for all the productions they staged. This period consolidated his reputation as a comprehensive creator, capable of adapting to different formats and styles.
Expansion in Spain
Upon moving to Spain, Soteldo expanded his artistic reach. He worked with the theatre company La Calabaza, directed by Sandra Bonilla, contributing his music to various productions. He also established connections with key figures in the Spanish music scene, such as Teo Carralda, Germán Copini, and the group Guadalquivir. One of his most significant projects was the album Mira, created with Carles Benavent, Tino di Geraldo, and Jorge Pardo — an award-winning work praised by major figures like Chick Corea, who highlighted its musical richness and creativity.
Artistic Versatility and Collaborations
Soteldo’s versatility has led him to collaborate with internationally renowned artists such as Ian Hatton, Lenny Peterson, and Jill Goldstein, working in genres ranging from jazz to salsa, Brazilian music, and Catalan rumba.
The Meeting with Juan Diego Mateos
One of the most meaningful moments in his career occurred in 2000, when he met flamenco guitarist Juan Diego Mateos during the recording of the Mira album. From that first encounter, a professional and friendly relationship began, which over 25 years has inspired unique moments and generated shared musical richness that continues to this day.
A Unique Musical Synergy
At Knobloch Strings we want to pay homage to this symbiotic duo through our short documentary — its magic lies in how Soteldo’s profound classical and jazz sensitivity influences Mateos’s flamenco. Together they have built a fascinating relationship that has become a shared exploration, pushing the expressive possibilities of music through the synergy of their distinct roots and styles.
Recognition and Artistic Impact
In a key meeting with Roberto Aussel, Juan Diego Mateos had the opportunity to present several of “Musiquita’s” compositions that have marked his trajectory, facilitating a unique understanding of his evolution as a guitarist and the essence of this collaboration. Aussel expressed his perception of the impact of this creative relationship: “Two worlds have come together and another one has been born,” highlighting the profound transformation represented by this musical alliance.
Transformation Through Music
When talking with Juan Diego Mateos about the impact of Musiquita on his evolution as a guitarist, he recounted a transformative experience: “I was blind and he put glasses on me; he made me truly see the colors.” These colors represent the control of dynamics and nuances, a sensitivity that enriched his interpretation. “He insisted on caring for the sonority of harmonics. He wouldn’t let me lift my finger until I felt the frequencies resonate within me. He took me to a musical dimension I had never imagined before.”
A Process of Learning and Communication
Throughout these 25 years, both musicians, with their own languages, have sought a new way to communicate and create together. “We used mime or recordings. I didn’t know how to read scores, so he taught me the pieces on the piano in an almost mechanical way, so that I, from my experience, could make sense of them. It was a deep work of research and introspection,” Mateos recalls.
A Natural Evolution
At the end of our conversation, Juan Diego reflected on his experience as a flamenco guitarist venturing into other musical roots and integrating them into his style. “For me, it has been a very natural, human process. If you don’t nourish yourself, you don’t grow. With Musiquita I learned to dissect each piece and find the meaning of every note and every motif, breaking away from my previous style, which was linear and direct. It has been a deeply enriching experience.”
A 25-Year Musical Journey
The journey of Antonio Soteldo “Musiquita” and Juan Diego Mateos demonstrates how the fusion of styles can take music to new heights. Their collaboration, nurtured by 25 years of friendship and experimentation, has created a unique language that blends classical, jazz, and flamenco. This tribute in the form of a short documentary celebrates the magic of their synergy and the transformative power of shared creativity.
Knobloch Strings Support
At Knobloch Strings we have wanted to support this project not only through the documentary that pays tribute to their relationship but also by producing Juan Diego Mateos’s latest CD “Una Promesa (En Vivo)”, which includes pieces composed by Antonio Soteldo “Musiquita.” Therefore I invite you to discover this album and immerse yourself in the magic of these pieces that symbolize the evolution and creativity of both artists.
Listen and Watch
You can listen to the CD on Spotify — Una Promesa (En Vivo) and enjoy some videos on our YouTube channel.
Ángela Pérez Garrido
