Rafael Méndez

Rafael Méndez (March 26, 1906 - September 15, 1981) was a popular Mexican virtuoso solo trumpeter.

As a young child in his native Mexico, Mendez was the cornetist for Pancho Villa. [cite web | title=Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Legendary Trumpet Player Rafael Méndez | work=e-Notes, the online newsletter of the School of Music, Arizona State University | url=http://music.asu.edu/e-Notes/fall2005/mendez.htm |accessdate=2006-04-23] His most famous recording, "Moto Perpetuo," was written in the eighteenth century by Paganini for violin and features Mendez double tonguing continuously for over 4 minutes while circular breathing to give the illusion that he is not taking a natural breath while playing.

From 1950 to 1975, Méndez was a full time soloist, performing as many as 125 concerts per year. He was also very active as a recording artist. Many of his recordings are now available on compact disc.

Around the time of his retirement, Méndez asked a fellow trumpeter, Tom Hernández (who had studied under Méndez and Maurice André) to take over his soloing duties, but Tom declined in order to continue with his directing.

Mendez was legendary for his tone, range and technique. Méndez's playing was characterized by a brilliant tone, wide vibrato and clean, rapid articulation. His repertoire was a mixture of classical, popular, Mexican folk music and jazz. Méndez contributed many arrangements and original compositions to the trumpet repertoire. His "Scherzo in D Minor" is often heard in recitals, and has been recorded by David Hickman.

The music building of Arizona State University houses the Rafael Méndez Library, established in 1993.

References

External links

* [http://mendezlibrary.asu.edu/ Rafael Méndez Online Library] and free sound clips (mp3) at Arizona State University.
* [http://www.krisandsusanna.com/Music/Mendez/rafael_mendez.htm Biography] and free sound clips (mp3) and (realaudio).