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).
El viajero
Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo soy ese viajero
que va por el camino
Por brechas y veredas
buscando su destino
Escucho alegres trinos
Rumor de fresca brisa
de tierra morena
Y miro en las espigas
dorados sus trigales
Como olas que se mecen
muy verdes los maizales
Y serpentean las bardas
de piedras quebradas
Casitas con horcones
de adobe blanqueadas
La virgen del cerrito
que alivia nuestros males
Nos da sus bendiciones
milagros y bondades
Con fe los mexicanos
le brindan su canto
Y todos la visitan
el día de su santo
México, México
te llevo en el corazón
Con la alegría del mariachi
me brota la inspiración
México, México
de bronce tu corazón
No hay como sones jarochos
cantados con emoción
(Música)
Pirámides labradas
cinceles de pasión
Pitayos coronados
un aguila en acción
Serpientes emplumadas
en recio nopal
Escudo mexicano
valor nacional
Piletas como espejos
y tibias sus lagunas
Se peinan con el viento
de encaje en las espumas
De piedras molcajetes
volcanes nevados
El Popo el Iztaccíhuatl
amantes postrados
Me quedo en este suelo
tan lindo y tan sereno
Porque he encontrado cantos
caricias y consuelo
Por tantas cosas bellas
me quedo en tu seno
Gozando tus pregones
te canta, el viajero
México, México
te llevo en el corazón
Con la alegría del mariachi
me brota la inspiración
México, México
de bronce tu corazón
No hay como sones jarochos
cantados con emoción, mí...
México, México
Te llevo en el corazón
The song "El viajero" by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán is an ode to Mexico, a love letter to the country that has captured the hearts of the people. The singer describes himself as a traveler who is wandering through the country in search of his destiny. Along the way, he encounters the beauty of nature, from the joyful songs of the birds to the fresh breeze of the land. He admires the golden wheat fields and the green cornstalks that sway like waves. The traveler also appreciates the man-made structures of Mexico, such as the stone walls, the whitewashed adobe houses, and the monuments like the Pyramid and the national emblem.
The song also depicts the spiritual richness of Mexico, as the traveler visits the Virgen del Cerrito, a Catholic shrine that heals the sick and grants blessings. The Mexicans offer their prayers and songs to the Virgin Mary, who represents hope and faith. The traveler finds inspiration in the joyous sounds of the Mariachi music, which evokes the spirit of Mexico with its brass instruments and lively rhythms. The song concludes with the traveler declaring his love for Mexico and how he will always keep it in his heart.
"El viajero" is a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, and its lyrics resonate with many Mexicans who feel proud of their country's natural beauty, artistic achievements, and spiritual values. This song has become a staple of the Mariachi repertoire and is often performed at various festivals and events.
Line by Line Meaning
Ahí te voy México querido, ajajajai!
I'm coming to you beloved Mexico, with joy and excitement!
Yo soy ese viajero
que va por el camino
Por brechas y veredas
buscando su destino
I am the traveler who goes along the road, through trails and paths, seeking his destiny.
Escucho alegres trinos
del ave agorera
Rumor de fresca brisa
de tierra morena
I hear the joyful trills of the prophetic bird and the fresh breeze of the brown land.
Y miro en las espigas
dorados sus trigales
Como olas que se mecen
muy verdes los maizales
I look at the golden wheat fields, swaying like waves, and the very green cornfields.
Y serpentean las bardas
de piedras quebradas
Casitas con horcones
de adobe blanqueadas
Stone fences wind along broken walls and small houses with whitened adobe timbering stand.
La virgen del cerrito
que alivia nuestros males
Nos da sus bendiciones
milagros y bondades
The Virgin of the Hill who relieves our pains, gives us her blessings, miracles, and kindness.
Con fe los mexicanos
le brindan su canto
Y todos la visitan
el día de su santo
Mexicans sing to her with faith, and everyone visits her on her holy day.
México, México
te llevo en el corazón
Con la alegría del mariachi
me brota la inspiración
Mexico, oh Mexico, I carry you in my heart. The joy of the Mariachi inspires me.
México, México
de bronce tu corazón
No hay como sones jarochos
cantados con emoción
Mexico, oh Mexico, your heart is bronze. There's nothing like the emotion of Jarochos songs.
(Música)
Music
Pirámides labradas
cinceles de pasión
Pitayos coronados
un aguila en acción
Engraved pyramids, tools fashioned with passion, crowned Pitayos with an eagle in action.
Serpientes emplumadas
en recio nopal
Escudo mexicano
valor nacional
Feathered serpents on strong cactus, the Mexican coat of arms, national value.
Piletas como espejos
y tibias sus lagunas
Se peinan con el viento
de encaje en las espumas
Pools mirror-like, and their lagoons mild. The wind combs them, lace across their froth.
De piedras molcajetes
volcanes nevados
El Popo el Iztaccíhuatl
amantes postrados
Molcajetes stones, snowy volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, lovers laid down.
Me quedo en este suelo
tan lindo y tan sereno
Porque he encontrado cantos
caricias y consuelo
I remain on this beautiful and calm ground because I have found songs, caresses, and comfort.
Por tantas cosas bellas
me quedo en tu seno
Gozando tus pregones
te canta, el viajero
For so many beautiful things, I stay within your womb, enjoying your proclamations. The traveler sings to you.
México, México
te llevo en el corazón
Mexico, oh Mexico, I carry you in my heart.
Writer(s): Jose Martinez Barajas, Roberto Sierra Garcia
Contributed by Brody G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@juanv723
Esta no es canción ranchera es como mas mexicana que ranchera, bueno las rancheras también son mexicanas
Pero ranchera es mas como vicente fernandez,José Alfredo jimenez y eso y
Javir solis hace bolero ranchero.
Osea es lo mismo pero las rancheras son mas faciles de cierto modo
Y estas mas dificiles osea no complicadas pero pero un poco dificil y no es ritmo ranchero.
@robertosierra5028
___Algún! día! he de contarles la verdadera!
Historia "del Viajero" y ¿a quien le fue dedicada!? fue al "Santo Padre" Juan Pablo Segundo"
El Papá" Viajero" y tan bien! cómo me fueron secuestrados mis créditos por qué fui ingenuo! y yo.considere! qué a si! me con venia! para ver! si a si me grababan más canciones de mi Autoría" por pero me salío el tiro por la culata!
y perdí! todo! ,los premios y los Creditos! y más aún cuando se fíngio una supuesta S.A" para escatimarme otro cincuenta por ciento, de mis Regalías" y fue! a si! qué me rasuraron! un 75% de mi autoría" por qué los arreglos ya sé los habían pagado a quien desarrollo la Maqueta" y el (Demo) de los (arreglos) ya qué esa ves no sé premiaban! ni los arreglos, ni los Interpretes" ni los Grupos Musicales! porqué ya! se les habían! cubierto por separado el pago de los y sus arreglos musicales! y habían renunciado! a (todo (Credito) sobre la autoría) porqué a si! lo establecían! los términos y las Bases del Concurso! musical" México Lindo y Querido" y los premios de los Bonos del Ahorro Nacional" y los Credítos" todos venían redactados a mi Nombre! pero la necesidad! Mas él hambre de un Reconocimiento! me obligaron! a confiar! ciegamente" en quien no debía! cómo fue! y a si me fue escamoteado, y secuestrado! mi Credíto" y mi Autoría" y tengo los comprobantes de los Bonos del Ahorro Nacional" los Cheques de Bancomer" la apertura de la Cuenta Bancaria" y los Sobres de las Bases del Concurso!
y luego para completar! el despojo! me fue endilgado! un Piojo blanco" (Ladilla) de una supuesta) Editora)
a quien le fue encomendado el secuestro! de mi Obra" Si! es triste! pero a si fue! y he dicho!
a si pues y para concretar!
----el Autor"
de "El Viajero" es un Servidor! Roberto Sierra García!
"El Viajero" "Pero hay un Dios"
qué todo lo ve !
y de nadie! sé olvida!
Si Señor! "El Viajero" Saludos"
no sé premiaban! ni los arreglos, ni los Interpretes" ni los Grupos Musicales!
porqué ya! se les habían! Cubierto y muy bien pagados!
@gilbertoxochihuahernandez3407
gracias amigo Javier Martinez y esta melodia dedicada a los fallecidos en es los sismos de 1985 y del 2017 (19 de septiembre) y tambien a todos los rescatistas y al pueblo en general que se volco a rescatar a los vivos y muertos aqui en Ciudad de Mexico en el Centro y en especial a Xochimilco CDMX yo soy rescatista voluntario saludos Gilberto Xochihua Hernandez.
@eltuco99
GRACIAS A TI
@gilbertoxochihuahernandez3407
Gracias saludos desde #AlcaldiaIztapalapa #CDMX #CiudadDeMexico tierra del grupo de cumbia #LosAngelesAzules tu amigo Gilberto Xochihua Hernandez.
@carlosjasso8158
Este debería ser el himno nacional de México.
@manuelgarciav.6842
Viva México!!!!!! 🇲🇽🇲🇽 Agradecido con papá Dios, por nacer en este HERMOSO PAÍS 😭🇲🇽🇲🇽😭
@mariof.3711
Si mi padre estuviera le habría encantado esta canción con su mariachi consentido El Vargas de Tecalitlán , mi gusto por esta bella Musica es por el y no puedo evitar las lágrimas por su recuerdo cuando escucho al Vargas con sus clásicos y los gritos de Don Silvestre y la dirección del maestro Fuentes o el maestro Rodríguez de Híjar o el entrañable Pepe Martínez a quien tuve el honor de conocer y saludar , que viva el Vargas !!!! Si señor.
@davidalejandrosilvapalacio2334
Esta es mi ranchera favorita. Soy venezolano y músico por lo que me gusta escuchar buena música para apreciar sonidos, expresiones, pasión y sentimiento y de todas las buenas rancheras que se han creado en el tiempo, creo que esta es una de las que mejor expresa ese sentimiento alegre, patriótico y nacional por parte de los mexicanos hacia su país. Debería ser como su segundo o tercer himno como lo es para nosotros los venezolanos el alma llanera o Venezuela. Sigue adelante México.
@angelsalas4687
comparto tu opinión amigo David A Silva, yo soy Mexicano , pero al igual que muchos compatriotas , creo que ni nosotros mismos hemos escuchado la gran diversidad de musica regional de México y demas los paises Latinos, hay canciones muy hermosas que apenas tiene poco que escucho a pesar de ser en un tiempo músico, pero les recomiendo si les ha gustado este genero musical, estas otras, Mi cuidad, Serenata Huasteca, Huapango de Moncayo, El cascabel, Sabes una cosa, El milagro de tus ojos, etc, en estilo mariachi, les encantara, haber que otras recomiendan por aqui de Mexico y de su pais.
@MercenaryBlackWater4
Esta cancion no alcanza a ser el 2do himno ni el 3ro ni el 4to...el segundo seria el Huapango de Moncayo, el tercero el Cielito Lindo 4to La Marcha de Zacatecas, 5to el Son de la Negra, el Jarabe Tapatio, Xochipitzahuatl... etc etc
@juanv723
Esta no es canción ranchera es como mas mexicana que ranchera, bueno las rancheras también son mexicanas
Pero ranchera es mas como vicente fernandez,José Alfredo jimenez y eso y
Javir solis hace bolero ranchero.
Osea es lo mismo pero las rancheras son mas faciles de cierto modo
Y estas mas dificiles osea no complicadas pero pero un poco dificil y no es ritmo ranchero.