Rafael Méndez
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For the artist, Rafael Alfonso Umaña Mendez, see Umaña.
Rafael Méndez (March 26, 1906 - September 15, 1981) was a popular virtuoso solo trumpeter.
As a young child in his native Mexico, Mendez was the cornetist for Pancho Villa.[1] Mendez is legendary for his tone, range and technique. His most famous recording, "Moto Perpetuo," was written 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.
Around the time of his retirement, Méndez asked a fellow trumpeter, Tom Hernandez (who had studied under Méndez and Maurice André) to take over his soloing duties, but Tom declined in order to continue with his directing.
[edit] References
- ^ Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Legendary Trumpet Player Rafael Méndez. e-Notes, the online newsletter of the School of Music, Arizona State University. Retrieved on 2006-04-23.
[edit] External links
- Rafael Méndez Online Library and free sound clips (mp3) at Arizona State University.
- Biography and free sound clips (mp3) and (realaudio).
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