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).
Cuando Suena el Mariachi / MI País
Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ay, ay, ay, ay, viva el mariachi
Cuando suena el mariachi, el mundo canta
(El mundo canta cuando suena el mariachi)
Cuando el mariachi suena, el mundo canta
(El mundo canta cuando suena el mariachi)
Donde México es el sol (Guadalajara la estrella)
Desde aquí desde Jalisco con gusto los invitamos
A gozar y a festejar (en el encuentro del año)
Cuando suena el mariachi, el mundo canta
(El mundo canta cuando suena el mariachi)
Cuando el mariachi suena, el mundo canta
(El mundo canta cuando suena el mariachi)
Viva el Mariachi
(En este país desde que el sol se levanta)
Nace la copla y la danza del oriente y la llanura
Del mar y la serranía, de Guayana y Occidente
En este país, mi país, tu país
En este país desde que el sol se levanta
Nace la copla y la danza del Oriente y la llanura
Del mar y la serranía, de Guayana y Occidente
En este país, mi país, tu país
Mi país es más que un sueño, es toda una realidad
Con el orgullo aferrado a su propia identidad
Mi país eres tú mismo con tu esfuerzo y voluntad
En este país, mi país, tu país
Mi país no es un decir, es la conciencia de todos
Es el quehacer desde el presente para forjar un futuro
Y así cultivar las siembra de nuestros libertadores
En este país, mi país, tu país
Mi país eres tú mismo con esfuerzo y voluntad
En este país, mi pais, tu país
En este país, mi país, tu país
En este país
The opening lines of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán's song, "Cuando Suena el Mariachi / Mi País," pay homage to Jalisco and the mariachi music genre that is deeply embedded in the state's culture. As the mariachi music starts to play, the world comes alive and sings along, highlighting the universal appeal of this genre of music. The lyrics continue to describe the beauty of the music and the excitement of the party or "fiesta" where people come together to celebrate, enjoу, and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, represented by Guadalajara in the song.
Further, the song speaks to the profound cultural identity of Mexico. It highlights the diverse historical and geographical influences that have shaped the country's arts, music, and culture. The lyrics mention various regions and terrains of the country, including the East, plains, sea, mountains, Guayana, and West, representing its cultural diversity. The song recognizes the struggles of the country's forefathers, and their sacrifice for a better future. It inspires listeners to take pride in their identity and work hard to progress the country forward, cultivating the seeds of freedom sowed by previous generations.
Overall, "Cuando Suena el Mariachi / Mi País" is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, represented by the lively and infectious Mariachi music that captivates the world, touching hearts and inspiring people to embrace their cultural identity and take pride in their country, "Mi País".
Line by Line Meaning
Cuando suena el mariachi, el mundo canta
El poder y la belleza de la música del mariachi es tan grande que hace que el mundo entero cante y celebre.
Cuando el mariachi suena, el mundo canta
El sonido del mariachi es tan contagioso y alegre que hace que la gente de todo el mundo cante y baile al son de su música.
Bienvenidos a la fiesta de la música más bella
Esta es una celebración de la más bella y vibrante música que ha llegado a nuestros oídos.
Donde México es el sol (Guadalajara la estrella)
En esta celebración, México es la fuerza que ilumina el día y Guadalajara es la estrella que guía la noche.
Desde aquí desde Jalisco con gusto los invitamos
Desde la región de Jalisco se les hace una cordial invitación para que se unan a nosotros en esta celebración.
A gozar y a festejar (en el encuentro del año)
Únanse a nosotros y disfruten de la fiesta más grande de este año, donde bailaremos y festejaremos juntos.
En este país desde que el sol se levanta
Desde los primeros rayos del sol, se siente la vibrante cultura de nuestro país y su gente a través de la música.
Nace la copla y la danza del Oriente y la llanura
De todas las regiones del país surgen diferentes géneros de música, los cuales son expresados con la voz y el movimiento de los que los habitan.
Del mar y la serranía, de Guayana y Occidente
Ya sea en las costas o en las montañas, en Guayana o en el Oeste, la música forma parte fundamental de la vida de sus habitantes y de la riqueza cultural del país.
Mi país es más que un sueño, es toda una realidad
Mi país existe de verdad y no sólo es una idealización, y por ello me siento orgulloso de él.
Con el orgullo aferrado a su propia identidad
Me siento orgulloso de mi país y de su cultura, y es algo que llevo en lo más profundo de mi ser.
Mi país eres tú mismo con tu esfuerzo y voluntad
El país lo hacemos nosotros mismos con nuestro propio esfuerzo y voluntad, somos los que podemos forjar su futuro.
Mi país no es un decir, es la conciencia de todos
Mi país no es sólo algo que se dice o se nombra, es una conciencia colectiva que se comparte y se alimenta por todos.
Es el quehacer desde el presente para forjar un futuro
Lo que se haga hoy en día es lo que asegurará el futuro del país.
Y así cultivar las siembras de nuestros libertadores
Para asegurar un futuro libre y próspero, se deben cultivar los valores por los que lucharon nuestros libertadores.
En este país
En este país y en su rica cultura hay mucho que celebrar y se siente un gran orgullo de ser parte de él.
Mi país, tu país
Nuestro país es un lugar que nos pertenece a todos, es un legado que debemos cuidar y proteger.
En este país, mi país, tu país
Este país es nuestro hogar, lo hacemos juntos y lo compartimos todos, lo cuidamos y lo celebramos juntos.
Contributed by Nora P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Gildardo Nuñez
on El Suchil
para todos mis amigos del facebook, dis fruten de musica de un buen mariachi, aqui lo tienen¡¡¡