Raphael Méndez
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Rafael Méndez (b. March 26, 1906, d. September 15, 1981) was a Mexican-American trumpet soloist. As a young boy, Méndez performed as a trumpeter and guitarist for Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution. Méndez moved to the United States in 1926, where he soon gained success as a freelance trumpeter.
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 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.
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 Mendez Library, established in 1993.
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