| Laudelino Mejías | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Born | August, 1893 Trujillo, Venezuela |
| Died | November 30, 1963 Caracas, Venezuela |
| Genres | Venezuelan waltz |
| Occupations | musician, composer, director |
Laudelino Mejías, b. (Trujillo, Venezuela, August, 1893), d. (Caracas, Venezuela, November 30, 1963), was a Venezuelan composer, best known for the waltz Conticinio.
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The atmosphere in which this future composer born, is sad and humble until the end. This was not the most propitious average for the development of an artistic vocation. And, nevertheless, from his infantile days, showed his extraordinary aptitude for music. Under the artistic responsibility of Esteban Razquin, a spanish priest arrived to Trujillo at the beginning of the 20th century, Laudelino initiates his learning like executant of clarinet. Razquin, more artist than priest, according to the poet Alfonso Marín, consecrates most of his time to musical teaching and the formation of musical groups, and is Laudelino one of his enthusiastic students. From those initial moments two attributes are revealed in him, that constitute the base of his personality, a great ability to work and certainty. The Bohemian spirit who in others is translated in abandonment and irresponsibility, in Laudelino his inspiration is vigorous, and starts at the Philarmonic Band founded by Esteban Razquin, and begins to incursionate in the composition.
In 1912, Razquin absents, and deceased Aparicio Lugo, (his successor in the direction of the Philarmonic Band), Laudelino Mejías is designated to carry out this position, his extraordinary artistic temperament and his absolute seriousness as professional they impirmen a maturity seal to him that already credits it like most suitable for the work of conduction of the important musical conglomerate. With exception of brief periods in Maracaibo, Valera and Ciudad Bolívar, the musical work of Laudelino Mejías develops in his native city and narrow entailment with the Band founded by Razquin. The persons that lived in Trujillo before 1958 keep the memory from the teacher, working hardly copying or fixing scores for the Philarmonic, directing the retretas (Music presentations) of the Plaza Bolivar or Plaza Sucre, and his humoristic attitude. Between his well known compositions, we can mention: "Silencio Corazón", Alma de mi Pueblo", "Canto a mis Montañas", "Conticinio", "Imposible", "En las horas", "Mirando al Lago", Merceditas", Despertando", "Isabel", Amaneciendo, "Anocheciendo", "Trujillo", Noche de Luna", "Déjame Soñar", ", to name only some of them. Symphonic poems like: "Trujillo" y "Mirabel", Pasodobles: "Cielo Andino", "Murmullos del Castán", "De Trujillo a Boconó", "La Negra Malcriada", "El Mocho Leopoldo", and songs for the Broadcastings: "Radio Trujillo", "Radio Valera", "La Voz del Táchira", and Ondas de América", and some religious songs: "Viernes Santo" and "San Antonio".
Laudelino Mejías dies in Caracas, November 30, 1963, but in Trujillo his memory continues effective and today his name is associated to regional culture, a modern urban route distinguishes him like Laudelino Mejías Avenue. An important educative center is called Diversified Cycle Laudelino Mejías. To the entrance of the Athenian de Trujillo is located a bust of this artist, and the hall destined in this institution to cultural forums, exhibitions, conferences and other acts, was named after him. His musical culture his consecrated efforts, and his wisdom, are remembered.