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).
Las Mañanitas
Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Que cantaba el rey David
Hoy por ser día de tu santo
Te las cantamos a ti
Despierta, mi bien despierta
Mira que ya amaneció
Ya los pajarillos cantan
Que linda está la mañana
En que vengo a saludarte
Venimos todos con gusto
Y placer a felicitarte
El día en que tu naciste
Nacieron todas las flores
En la pila del bautismo
Cantaron los ruiseñores
Ya viene amaneciendo
Ya la luz del día nos dio
Levántate de mañana
Mira que ya amaneció
De las estrellas del cielo
Tengo que bajarte dos
Una para saludarte
Otra para decirte adiós
Volaron cuatro palomas
Por toditas la ciudades
Hoy por ser día de tu santo
Te deseamos felicidades
Con jasmines y flores
Hoy te vengo a saludar
Hoy por ser día de tu santo
Te venimos a cantar
Las Mañanitas is a traditional Mexican song that is synonymous with birthday celebrations in Mexico and many Latin American countries. The song is often sung in the early morning to wake up the birthday celebrant, and to wish them a happy birthday. The song's lyrics are composed of several stanzas, each of which contains a series of well-wishes for the birthday celebrant. The song opens with the line "Estas son las mañanitas, que cantaba el rey David" which means "These are the morning songs that King David sang."
The song goes on to describe the beauty of the morning, with birds beginning to sing and the moon setting, signaling the start of a new day. The song then wishes the birthday celebrant a happy birthday and describes how special their birth was. The song also references stars, doves, and flowers, all of which come together to wish the celebrant a happy birthday. Overall, the song is a celebration of life and a tribute to the person being honored on their special day.
Line by Line Meaning
Estas son las mañanitas
These are the morning songs
Que cantaba el rey David
That King David used to sing
Hoy por ser día de tu santo
Today, on the occasion of your saint's day
Te las cantamos a ti
We sing them to you
Despierta, mi bien despierta
Wake up, my darling wake up
Mira que ya amaneció
See that it's already dawn
Ya los pajarillos cantan
The little birds are already singing
La luna ya se metió
The moon has already set
Que linda está la mañana
How beautiful this morning is
En que vengo a saludarte
That I come to greet you
Venimos todos con gusto
We all come gladly
Y placer a felicitarte
And to congratulate you with pleasure
El día en que tu naciste
The day you were born
Nacieron todas las flores
All the flowers were born
En la pila del bautismo
In the baptismal font
Cantaron los ruiseñores
The nightingales sang
Ya viene amaneciendo
Dawn is coming
Ya la luz del día nos dio
Daylight has already come
Levántate de mañana
Wake up in the morning
Mira que ya amaneció
See that it's already dawn
De las estrellas del cielo
From the stars in the sky
Tengo que bajarte dos
I have to bring you two
Una para saludarte
One to greet you
Otra para decirte adiós
The other to say goodbye
Volaron cuatro palomas
Four doves flew
Por toditas la ciudades
Through all the cities
Hoy por ser día de tu santo
Today, on the occasion of your saint's day
Te deseamos felicidades
We wish you happiness
Con jasmines y flores
With jasmines and flowers
Hoy te vengo a saludar
Today, I come to greet you
Te venimos a cantar
We come to sing to you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Manuel M. Ponce
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@aleveeraaa
Estas son las mañanitas
Que cantaba el rey David
Hoy por ser día de tu santo
Te las cantamos aquí
Despierta, mi bien, despierta
Mira que ya amaneció
Ya los pajaritos cantan
La luna ya se metió
Qué linda está la mañana
En que vengo a saludarte
Venimos todos con gusto
Y placer a felicitarte
El día en que tú naciste
Nacieron todas las flores
En la pila del bautismo
Cantaron los ruiseñores
Ya viene amaneciendo
Ya la luz del día nos dio
Levántate de mañana, mira que ya amaneció
Si yo pudiera bajarte, las estrellas y un lucero
Para poder demostrarte lo mucho que yo te quiero
Con jazmines y flores este día quiero adornar
Hoy por ser día de tu santo
Te venimos a cantar
@glorod7454
Feliz Cumpleaños, Mamita Eternamente-Bella! 😘🥰
La Quieremos Por Siempre Y Siempre Y Siempre.
We Love You Forever And Ever And Ever.
La Extrañamos Mucho, Mucho, Mucho...Y Ahi La Veremos Mas Al Rato...
Yayu.....💖✝️💖
😘😘😘😘😘
🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣
💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
❤🧡💛💚💙💜💖
💞💞💞💞💞💞💞
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
😘😘😘😘😘😘😘
🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊
🌹🌺🌹🌺🌹🌺🌹
@Ozmasterofpuppets
Que bonitas son las mañanitas, me encantan!!! Feliz cumpleaños a todos los que hoy sea su día!!!
@angelicajm7448
Ya que nadie me dedico las mañanitas hoy en mi cumple, ni se acordó de mí me las canto yo solita ❤
@brizachavez7106
Mi papá me despertaba con esta hermosa canción .Bellos recuerdos con el mejor Mariachi , el se Tecalitlán Jalisco.
@Ely-fi1sy
Hermosas mañanitas con el gran mariachi Vargas 😘
@chuychuy5410
Te dedico estas mañanitas hoy en tu cumpleaños mi querido nieto Daniel que te la pases super muchas felicidades
@evelinakundler1072
MIL FELICIDADES A TODOS LOS DOCENTES DE MÉXICO QUE DIA A DIA DEJARON SU ESPIRITU EN LAS AULAS PARA FORJAR UN PUEBLO AMANTE DEL CONOCIMIENTO TAMBIEN DE LOS VALORES NUESTROS DE FORJAR EL ORGULLO MEXICANO MOSTRANDO ASI CADA INDIVIDUO LA GRANDEZA, QUE ES CAPAZ DE CONSTRUIR SU PROPIO DESTINO.
POR EL PROGRESO DE NUESTRA EDUCACION Y LA GRAN LABOR MAGISTERIAL BENDECIDO CADA UNO DE ELLOS QUE ADQUIRIO ESE COMPROMISO CON SU PATRIA.
MIL FELICIDADES 😊🎉❤
@universalsacredmedicine9299
Our dad always sang this song to us on our birthday… Mi padre siempre nos cantava esta cancion….🥰
@caledoniastorm4313
Nada como el Mariachi para alegrar el corazon , hoy es 3 de Mayo cumpleanos de mi hija Lluvia que cmpliria 49 aunque este muertita le toco sus mananitas , ella era muy Mexicana que la Virgencita me la cuide que en el cielo esre escuchando Mariachis .
@stella8990
Que bonito es escuchar las mañanitas con mariachi!!
@guadaluperey-sb5zv
Un Mariachi superior, que te transporta a Mejico a esa alegria multicolor que te llena el corazon,de dicha y a la vez de nostalgia Lo dice una Guadalupe ,asturiana