Ascensão
Serena Assumpção
2016
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Ascensão is the first and only album by singer Serena Assumpção, released posthumously in July 2016, a few months after her passing. The work stands out as a profound and sensitive piece that unveils the sacred aspects of Afro-Brazilian culture, particularly Candomblé, through a modern and reverent approach. The album is a remarkable fusion of MPB with elements of Umbanda and Candomblé, expressing spirituality and ancestry in a unique manner. The title, "Ascensão", carries an intrinsic meaning of evolution and elevation, reflecting Serena's spiritual and artistic journey. With the participation of over 40 musicians, the record transcends a mere musical recording, presenting itself as a collective tribute to faith and resilience. Its artistic proposal positions it as one of the most significant and culturally relevant works in contemporary Brazilian music.
Context
The daughter of the iconic Itamar Assumpção, Serena dedicated much of her life to preserving her father's artistic legacy, whilst simultaneously building her own career as a singer, songwriter, and cultural producer. The idea for Ascensão emerged from a revelation during a cowrie-shell divination session at the Sanctuary of the Brotherhood of Ilê de Pai Dessemi de Odé, a place Serena frequented. The project, initiated in 2009, was conceived over several years, a period during which Serena faced and overcame cancer on two occasions, imbuing the work with an even deeper layer of resilience and purpose.
Recording
Ascensão was a long-duration project, produced between 2009 and 2016, under the direction and production of Serena Assumpção herself, in collaboration with DiPa and Pipo Pegoraro. Executive production was handled by Flavio Scubi de Abreu. Recordings took place in various locations, including studios in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador, specifically in April 2015. Studios such as Audiorama, Sabiá, YB, Estúdio T (Salvador), and Terreiro Du Passo were utilised. The album is notable for the quantity of collaborations, featuring over 40 (or even more than 50, according to some sources) guest artists. Serena played an active and dedicated role throughout the entire process, from conception to artistic direction, even organising themed meals related to the orixás for each recording session, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere. The vinyl mastering was carried out by Arthur Joly, whilst Felipe Tichauer (Red Traxx Mastering) handled the general mastering.
Songs
Each of Ascensão's 13 tracks is dedicated to an orixá, serving as a homage to and evocation of the deities from the Candomblé pantheon. The lyrics and melodies incorporate elements from public domain popular songs, combined with original compositions by Serena Assumpção and Gilberto Martins, her 'brother of saint', who bring a modern and authorial perspective to the tradition. The album is described as a compilation of rituals and chants that explore rich Afro-Brazilian spirituality. The closing track, “Do Tata Nzambi”, interpreted a cappella by the Grupo Source de Vie from the Democratic Republic of Congo, gained an even more poignant and poetic meaning after Serena's passing, serving as a comfort and a posthumous blessing. In addition to the thirteen tracks, a bonus song, “Logunedé”, recorded in partnership with Caetano Veloso, was released subsequently, further enriching the album's legacy.
Legacy
Ascensão was universally acclaimed by specialised critics, being one of the highlights of its release year and securing a Latin Grammy nomination. The album was released posthumously in July 2016 by Selo SESC in CD format and by Três Selos on vinyl. Both editions became collector's items, reaching high market values, which attests to their rarity and the appreciation of the public and critics for the work. The launch shows, held at Sesc Pompeia, transformed into emotional tributes to Serena Assumpção, with the participation of many of the artists who collaborated on the record. Considered a "contemporary classic" and a "true masterpiece", Ascensão is recognised for its innovative fusion of Brazilian avant-garde music and the traditional terreiro chants of Umbanda and Candomblé, solidifying its place as a landmark in Brazilian discography. The album's relevance remains alive years after its release, with reviews highlighting its capacity to enlighten hearts and minds.
Tracks
Podcasts
Vamos Falar Sobre Música?
Produzido por Serena e co-produzido por DiPa e Pipo Pegoraro entre 2009 e 2016, o disco “Ascensão” foi lançado pelo Selo Sesc em 2016, alguns meses após o falecimento de Serena em função de um câncer. “Ascensão” homenageia cada um dos orixás do panteão do candomblé, em um projeto nascido a partir das vivências da artista no Santuário da Irmandade do Ilê de Pai Dessemi de Odé, em São Paulo. Em 13 c
Vamos Falar Sobre Música? - Assinantes Orelo · Vamos Falar Sobre Música?
Produzido por Serena e co-produzido por DiPa e Pipo Pegoraro entre 2009 e 2016, o disco “Ascensão” foi lançado pelo Selo Sesc em 2016, alguns meses após o falecimento de Serena em função de um câncer. “Ascensão” homenageia cada um dos orixás do panteão do candomblé, em um projeto nascido a partir das vivências da artista no Santuário da Irmandade do Ilê de Pai Dessemi de Odé, em São Paulo. Em 13 c
Analyses
Crítica | Serena Assumpção: "Ascensão" - Música Instantânea
musicainstantanea.com.br
Although completed in Assumpção's final months, when she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer, Ascensão would only be released to the public months after the singer's death, serving as a painful, yet comforting, exercise in farewell.
Serena Assumpção: partir para ficar no belíssimo "Ascensão"
revistamovinup.com
Serena, who dedicated herself extensively to keeping Itamar's work active through shows and projects, left us with the beautiful album "Ascensão", an album that doesn't bear the marks of tragedy but, on the contrary, elevates the orixá songs upon which Serena based a true spiritual journey.
Crítica: A alma e a terra no disco póstumo de Serena Assumpção
oglobo.globo.com
The result is an album that can be heard as a religious record, or as an example of contemporary Brazilian music. The best way, however, is to understand it as both.
Crítica: A alma e a terra no disco póstumo de Serena Assumpção
oparana.com.br
The result is an album that can be heard as a religious record, or as an example of contemporary Brazilian music. The best way, however, is to understand it as both things.
A cultura e a sonoridade afrobrasileira em Ascensão, último álbum de ...
nanu.blog.br
Ascensão is the posthumous album by Serena Assumpção, released by Selo SESC in 2016, a few months after her death. It features 13 tracks of sound compositions created in partnership with Gilberto Martins, which present influences from Afro-Brazilian culture, musicality, and Candomblé.
Discogs
Ascensão – Discogs
discogs.com