A minimum mariachi group has 2 violins, 2 trumpets, 1 guitarrón, 1 guitar, and 1 vihuela. Complete mariachi groups have a minimum of 12 members with the standard 6 violins, 3 trumpets, 1 guitarrón, 1 guitar and 1 vihuela. A 13th member is often a harp, an extra violin, or an extra guitar. The Vargas de Tecalitlán currently has thirteen members, distributed as follows:
Violins: Manuel Alcaraz Vargas, Alberto Alfaro, José "Pepe" Martínez (Director), José Martínez Jr., Daniel Martínez, and Andres Gonzalez
Trumpets: Federico Torres (member since 1966), Gustavo Alvarado (since 1991), and Fernando Valasquez (since 2007)
Guitarrón: Enrique de Santiago (member of the group since 1989)
Guitar: Arturo Vargas (member of the group since 2003 and originating in Jalisco)
Vihuela: Gilberto aguirre (part of the group since 2011, being the newest member of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán)
Harp: Julio Martínez (member since 1996)
The history of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán is divided into five phases (or generations); the first generation from 1897 to 1930, the second from 1931 to 1949, the third from 1950 to 1993, the fourth from 1994 to 2002 and the fifth since 2003 to date.
1st generation (1897–1930)
The Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán was born in a small city called Tecalitlán, to the south of Jalisco. Founded in 1897 by Don Gaspar Vargas the formation during those years was provided by the guitarra de golpe (or mariachera) played precisely by Don Gaspar, the wooden harp by Manuel Mendoza, and two violins played by Lino Quintero and Refugio Hernandez. The combination of these instruments established the "Sonido Tecalitlán" which distinguished from the "Sonido Cocula". (The Mariachi from Cocula utilized the guitarron and the vihuela in place of the harp and the guitarra de golpe aside from the two violins). In 1913, Don Gaspar introduced one trumpet to the group but it was not well accepted and, in later performances, its high-pitched sound was considered annoying. The cornet was replaced by another violin. The group consisted then of five elements. The son of Don Gaspar Vargas, Silvestre Vargas, joined as a violinist in 1921. From 1926 the group consisted of Gaspar Vargas - Guitarra de golpe, Manuel Mendoza - Harp, Silvestre Vargas, Trinidad Olivera and Nicolas Torres - Violins.
2nd generation (1931–1949)
In 1931 Gaspar Vargas turned the leadership of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán over to his son, Silvestre. As the first step in his reorganization Silvestre decided to enlarge the group to eight musicians. He invited his compatriots, the Quintero brothers, Rafael and Jeronimo to join. One played a violin and the other a guitar. Later he would add another violin played by Santiago Torres. He moved Trinidad Olivera from the violin to the guitarron, although still preserving the wooden harp. It was Silvestre who possessed a dream that his group would one day be the greatest mariachi in all Mexico and he was relentless in his pursuit of fulfilling that dream. The Mariachi Vargas was something of an oddity in the early 1930s; the members were all dressed in charro suits, they showed up on time for performances, and they were sober.
In 1933 they won first place in a Mariachi contest celebrated in Guadalajara. Then again, in Mexico City, in 1934, they were awarded another first place prize. President Lázaro Cárdenas, who enjoyed the music of "Vargas", subsequently had the group hired as the official mariachi of the Mexico City Police Department and the group moved to Mexico City where they remained for 20 years. They provided music and entertainment for the capital city at its parks and gardens. Beginning in 1937, the Mariachi Vargas appeared in "Asi es mi Tierra", the first of its more than 200 motion pictures. They played in many of Pedro Infante's movies as well. In that same year they recorded their first record and signed an exclusive contract with RCA.
In 1941 they definitively integrated the trumpet into the musical interpretations of the group. Miguel Martínez was the first trumpet player for Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. He is considered the creator of the mariachi-style trumpet and the best performer, teacher and example of the instrument. In 1944, Rubén Fuentes, a classical violinist with no background in mariachi music, was asked by Silvestre to join the group. He joined as a violinist and became music adjuster. Silvestre Vargas and Ruben Fuentas reorganized Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and changed their image and sound. They demanded a professional presentation to overcome the unruly concept that the term "mariachis" had to the general public in those days.
3rd Generation (1950–1993)
Fuentes took complete responsibility for the group's musical direction, and enriched the evolution that for many years had conserved the primitive and unstudied qualities of mariachi. The changing sound of the Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán was redirected without the abandonment of its roots or traditions. The Huapangos and Sones (which were two very distinctive styles of the mariachi music) were being interpreted in many diverse and different ways. The Mariachi Vargas recorded the Sones with arrangements and adaptations as patterns for other groups. This stratagem promoted the concept that all mariachi groups could be unified to those versions by taking them as examples. The traditional songs and the original sound of the mariachi began to mature in the 1950s. It was during the recordings of the "Golden Age of the Huapangos" that the compositions, arrangements and musical direction of Rubén Fuentes, and the unequaled voice of Miguel Aceves Mejía, initiated a musical shift that would change the sound and instrumentation of the mariachi. Due to the fact they change mariachi from the start they choose to keep it in away that it would still be traditional.
Revolutionary new harmony
In 1955 Rubén Fuentes stopped performing in the group. However, to date he maintains his position as producer, musical arranger and musical director, assisted during this first age by Jesús Rodríguez de Hijar and, under both, the administrative and leadership skills of Silvestre Vargas. In 1966 Rubén Fuentes wrote "La Bikina", a song that was recognized as the epitome of this Revolutionary New Harmony and sound of the mariachi. He continues to write and produce music for Mariachi Vargas that takes is an emotional roller coaster from the height of happiness to the despair of a broken heart or a lost love. As much in Mexico as in foreign countries the Sones and Huapangos acquire new directions.
Mariachi conferences
In the 1970s interest in mariachi music was waning. But all that changed when San Antonio, Texas held its first international mariachi conference in September 1979. In 1975, Jose "Pepe" Martinez, Sr. became the musical director of Mariachi Vargas. He wrote many arrangements including "Violin Huapango" which individually showcase the different instruments and members in the group. In 1983, the Mariachi Vargas appeared for the first time at the Tucson International Mariachi Conference. A new movement began to grow and many other conferences began to develop. The Mariachi Vargas was often chosen as the headline performer.
In 1986, Linda Ronstadt appeared with the Mariachi Vargas at the Tucson International Mariachi Conference where she sang publicly in Spanish for the first time. In 1987 she released her "Canciones de mi Padre" album featuring Mariachi Vargas which won her a Grammy award for the album. She also went on a national tour with the group, giving greater international exposure to mariachi music than ever before and creating a new audience for mariachi music among non-Hispanics.
Classical mariachi
In 1989, the Mariachi Vargas released their "En Concierto" CD featuring some of the greatest renderings of classical music ever played by a mariachi group. They also accompanied Lucero in the 1990s as she rose in the ranks of contemporary musical stardom. The Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán initiated a series of solo recordings: Sones, Valses, Pasos Dobles, Bailes Regionales, Polkas, Clasico e International, etc. They have added more than 50 recordings of mariachi music interpreted by what has become "The Best Mariachi in the World."
4th generation (1994–2002)
It is known by all mariachi lovers that this generation was the most talented group of musicians performing since 100 years of their foundation.[citation needed] In their album "La fiesta del Mariachi", Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, fourth generation, the group integrates to make a tribute to Jose "Pepe" Martínez, who besides his magnificent musical arrangements and direction of the group, inspired many as a composer. Their recordings on Polygram with this generation include are, "El Mariachi Vargas", "En Concierto", "Los sones Reyes", "La fiesta del Mariachi" and "50 anniversary of Rubén Fuentes". Rubén Fuentes's arrangements and music with the Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán are the first five recordings for the one-hundredth anniversary of the foundation of "Vargas" in 1997.
5th generation (2003–present)
In 2003 Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán began its fifth generation. Their latest recordings are, "5ta Generacion", "Sinfonico I", "Sinfonico II", and "Penas, Desengaños... Y Amores". Today the group is composed of two harps, one vihuela, one guitar, one guitarron, three trumpets and six violins. With the added instruments, a new sound has emerged that crosses all international borders. The music they play now ranges from the traditional sones to classical works as well as popurris that continue to delight audiences everywhere. In the 100 years since its foundation, the group has gone through some major changes. While there has been some departure from the tradition during that time, the group has maintained its roots through the playing of traditional Mexican sones. In 1997, "Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán" celebrated its first One Hundred years of foundation.
Discography
From 1937 until now (2009), the Mariachi Vargas has produced over 50 recordings, whose contents are Huastecos sones, waltzes, popurris, polkas, huapango, cumbias, among others.
Danzones (1964 RCA)
Mariachi *Colección Original (BMG Latin, 1999) –This is a recording recompilation made while 1958–1968 -.
Lo Mejor de lo Mejor (BMG Latin, 2000) –This is a recording recompilation made while 1958–1967 -.
Tradicionales de México Lindo Y Querido (LIDERES, 2001).
Sinfónico With Orquesta Filarmónica del Estado de Querétaro (2001) –Directed by Maestro José Guadalupe Flores-.
5ta. Generación (2002).
Sinfónico II With Orquesta Filarmónica del Estado de Querétaro (2002) Directed by Maestro José Guadalupe Flores-.
Penas, Desengaños Y Amores (2004).
Y aquí estamos (2008).
Chapala
Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Redes que tienden
Los pescadores
En la laguna
Redes que en noches de luna
Son como encajes
De oscuridad (en el manglar)
Canción de pescadores
Rumor de las olas
Que me hacen cantar
Chapala
Son tus canoas
Como un cortejo
De fantasía
Cargadas
De mangos verdes
De melones y de sandías
Por Ocotlán sale el sol
Por Tizapán sale la luna
Y poco a poco
La marea
Va subiendo en la laguna
Chapala
Rinconcito de amor
Donde las almas
Pueden hablarse
De tú con Dios
La luna ya se oculto
Y se durmió
La laguna
The song "Chapala" by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán is a beautiful depiction of the life and culture around Lake Chapala in Mexico. The first two lines refer to the fishermen who cast their nets into the lagoon. The use of the word "redes" (nets) is significant because it not only describes their tools of the trade but also symbolizes the interconnectedness of the community. This interdependence is further emphasized when the nets are referred to as "like lacework of darkness in the mangroves" in the moonlit nights.
As the stanza progresses, a sense of nostalgia is created as the singer refers to the "nights of the moon in Chapala". The sound of the waves gives life to a song that symbolizes the deep connection between the people and the lake. The second stanza is an ode to the boats of Chapala. They are described as being "like a procession of fantasy, loaded with green mangoes, melons, and watermelons." The chorus refers to how the sun rises over Ocotlán on one end of the lake, while the moon rises over Tizapán on the other end.
The last stanza talks about Chapala as a place of love, where the souls can speak with God. The imagery of a sleeping lagoon with the hidden moon creates a peaceful and calm atmosphere. This song is truly a celebration of the beauty of Mexico's Lake Chapala.
Line by Line Meaning
Redes
Fishing nets laid out
Redes que tienden
Nets that are being spread out
Los pescadores
By the fishermen
En la laguna
Over the lagoon
Redes que en noches de luna
Nets that during moonlit nights
Son como encajes
Look like lace
De oscuridad (en el manglar)
Made of darkness (in the mangroves)
Noches, noches de luna en Chapala
Nights, moonlit nights in Chapala
Canción de pescadores
Song of fishermen
Rumor de las olas
Whisper of the waves
Que me hacen cantar
That make me sing
Chapala
Chapala
Son tus canoas
Your canoes are
Como un cortejo
Like a procession
De fantasía
Of fantasy
Cargadas
Loaded
De mangos verdes
With green mangoes
De melones y de sandías
With melons and watermelons
Por Ocotlán sale el sol
In Ocotlán, the sun rises
Por Tizapán sale la luna
In Tizapán, the moon rises
Y poco a poco
And little by little
La marea
The tide
Va subiendo en la laguna
Rises in the lagoon
Chapala
Chapala
Rinconcito de amor
A little corner of love
Donde las almas
Where souls
Pueden hablarse
Can speak to each other
De tú con Dios
About you and God
La luna ya se oculto
The moon has already hidden
Y se durmió
And fell asleep
La laguna
The lagoon
Writer(s): Pepe Guizar
Contributed by Lucas Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@user-go4zx6gc5o
Tengo 65 años y desde que tengo uso d razón es mi Maríachi preferido, no lo cambio por nadie, gracias por alegrarnos con su música encantadora.
@moisesguerrero4911
Chapala ! fue mis primeras vacaciones! primera vez mire el agua azul... con mis ojos, yo disfrute Chapala, tenia 6 anos... despues regrese cuando mis 17 anos de edad... me enamore de Chapala, siempre digo a mi Familia ... si vuelvo a nacer... me gustaria nacer en Chapala... saludos desde California
@PatriciaHernandez-rt1cf
Cantarle a la vida y al amor es un privilegio.
@monrosales3060
Por Ocotlán sale el sol, por Tizapán sale la luna.
Mi bello Ocotlán tan lejos que estoy de ti! Espero pronto poder regresar😭💕
@gustavomendoza2419
Un fuerte abrazo des de Ocotlán.
@PatriciaHernandez-rt1cf
¡bendito Dios por este regalo, hecho musica!
@notanmalo1192
Esta canción es simplemente maravillosa y escucharla frente a la laguna de Chapala en un atardecer es WOWWW!! indescriptible como el encanto mismo de Chapala!!!
@luismiranda5215
Soy orgullosamente de mi querido chapala y cuando escucho esta cansion see me enchina la piel. Viva chapala y sus alrededores!!!!!!
@jususish
Yo soy michoacano vivo en michoacan pero reconozco q esta cancion esta muy bonita.y tiene jaliscco muchisimas canciones hermosas y este gran mariachi
@marthasoledadruiz1143
La riqueza de imágenes de esta hermosa canción , refleja el espíritu superior de Dn. Pepe Guizar, quien logra una magistral obra con preciosa letra y bellísima música que nos deja enamorados para siempre de ese maravilloso lugar: "donde las almas pueden hablarse de tú con Dios". Y los intérpretes, con gran talento hacen que sintamos al escucharla que estamos en un lugar mágico.