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).
Maldita Sea Mi Suerte
Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A las niñas por bonitas
A las viejas por viejitas
Y a mi amor para olvidar
Cuantas flores en el plan
Cuántas aves en el cielo
Cuantas tórtolas en vuelo
Pero cuánto gavilan
Presumido gavilan
La paloma de san juan
No puede desplumar
Solo quiero contemplar
Tus ojitos y besar tu boquita sin igual
Que me hace tanto mallllll-dita sea mi surte
Mi vida, mi vida me la han robado
Pero a mi me han dejado
Mi amor que te tiene y te buscará
Dame de despedida mi vida
Mi vida nomas un beso
Ahora te doy mi vida
Mi vida, mi vida
Cariño que dios me ha dado para quererlo
Cariño que a mi me quiere con dulce amor
Para ella no existe pena que no consuele
Mirando yo su carita, yo miro a dios
Hay que dichoso soy
Con ella soy feliz
Viva su vida, mi cariñito que tengo aquí
No me escribites y mis cartas anteriores
No se si las recibites
Tu me olvidates, y mataron mis amores
El silencio que le dites
A ver si a ésta di le das contestación, ufemia
Del amor pa que te escribo
Aquí queda como amigo
Tu afectisimo y atento y muy seguro servidor
Sembré una flor, sin interés
Yo la sembré para ver si era formal
A los tres días que la dejé de regar
Al volver ya estaba seca
Ya no quiso retoñar
Al volver ya estaba seca
Ya no quiso retoñar
Yo la regaba con agua que cae del cielo
Y la regaba con lágrimas de mis ojos
Mis amigos me dijeron
Ya no riegues esa flor
Esa flor ya no retoña, tiene muerto el corazón
Esa flor ya no retoña, tiene muerto el corazón
De altamira, tamaulipas
Traigo ésta alegre canción
Y al son del viejo violín y jaranas canto yo
A las mujeres bonitas que son de mi adoración
De altamira, tamaulipas traigo ésta alegre canción
Pasaste a mi lado con gran indiferencia
Tus ojos ni siquiera voltearon hacia mi
Te vi sin que me vieras, te hablé sin que me oyeras
Y toda mi amargura se ahogó dentro de mi
Me duele hasta la vida saber que me olvidaste
Pensar que ni desprecios merezca yo de ti
Y sin embargo sigues
Unida a mi existencia
Y si vivo cien años, cien años pienso en ti
Ya llegó tu enamorado
El que te interrumpe el sueño
Este pobre desgraciado
Que anda siempre desvelado
Porque quiere ser tu dueño
Mientras la pasión me dure
Y tu voluntad me aguante
No habrá noche de tu vida
Que no vengan mis mariachis
Y mi voz a despertarte
Ay ay ay ay ay
La suerte me está fallando
Ay ay ay ay ay corazón
La vida me estás cambiando
Ya se va tu enamorado
The song Maldita Sea Mi Suerte by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán is a beautiful and melodramatic ballad that tells the story of a man who has lost everything in his life – his freedom, his family, and his livelihood. The man is left with nothing but his love for a woman, and he sings of his unrequited affection for her. The song begins with the man addressing the audience and saying that he will now sing to the beautiful girls, the old ladies, and to his love to forget his sorrows.
The lyrics then move on to describe the beauty of nature, with references to the number of flowers, birds, and doves in the world. However, the man also mentions the presence of vultures in the sky, which contrasts with the beauty of the other creatures. This is symbolic of his own misfortune and how it overshadows the good things in his life. He then goes on to express his desire to be with his love and to forget his sorrows.
The rest of the song is a mixture of melancholy and hope, with references to lost loves, unrequited affection, and the pains of life. But throughout the song, the man's love and devotion to his woman remain strong and unshakeable, providing him with solace and comfort amidst his troubles.
Line by Line Meaning
Ahora les voy a cantar
I am going to sing to them now
A las niñas por bonitas
To the girls for their beauty
A las viejas por viejitas
To the old ones for being old
Y a mi amor para olvidar
And to my love to forget
Cuantas flores en el plan
How many flowers on the plain
Cuántas aves en el cielo
How many birds in the sky
Cuantas tórtolas en vuelo
How many doves in flight
Pero cuánto gavilan
But how many hawks
Zopilotes a volar
Vultures flying
Presumido gavilan
Proud hawk
La paloma de san juan
The dove of San Juan
No puede desplumar
Cannot be plucked
Solo quiero contemplar
I just want to contemplate
Tus ojitos y besar tu boquita sin igual
Your eyes and kiss your unmatched lips
Que me hace tanto mallllll-dita sea mi surte
That makes me suffer so much, cursed be my luck
Mi vida, mi vida me la han robado
My life, my life has been stolen from me
Pero a mi me han dejado
But they left me
Mi amor que te tiene y te buscará
My love who has you and will search for you
Dame de despedida mi vida
Give me a goodbye kiss, my life
Mi vida nomas un beso
My life, just one kiss
Ahora te doy mi vida
Now I give you my life
Cariño que dios me ha dado para quererlo
The love God has given me to love
Cariño que a mi me quiere con dulce amor
Love that loves me with sweet love
Para ella no existe pena que no consuele
For her, there is no sorrow that cannot be comforted
Mirando yo su carita, yo miro a dios
Looking at her face, I see God
Hay que dichoso soy
How fortunate I am
Con ella soy feliz
With her, I am happy
Viva su vida, mi cariñito que tengo aquí
Long live her life, my little love that I have here
No me escribites y mis cartas anteriores
Don't write to me and my previous letters
No se si las recibites
I don't know if you received them
Tu me olvidates, y mataron mis amores
You forgot about me, and my loves died
El silencio que le dites
The silence that you give
A ver si a ésta di le das contestación, ufemia
Let's see if you respond to this one, Ufemia
Del amor pa que te escribo
Why do I write to you of love
Aquí queda como amigo
Here I remain as a friend
Tu afectisimo y atento y muy seguro servidor
Your very devoted, attentive, and very sure servant
Sembré una flor, sin interés
I planted a flower, without interest
Yo la sembré para ver si era formal
I planted it to see if it was formal
A los tres días que la dejé de regar
Three days after I stopped watering it
Al volver ya estaba seca
When I returned, it was already dry
Ya no quiso retoñar
It did no longer want to sprout
Yo la regaba con agua que cae del cielo
I watered it with water that falls from the sky
Y la regaba con lágrimas de mis ojos
And I watered it with tears from my eyes
Mis amigos me dijeron
My friends told me
Ya no riegues esa flor
Don't water that flower anymore
Esa flor ya no retoña, tiene muerto el corazón
That flower doesn't bloom anymore, its heart is dead
De altamira, tamaulipas
From Altamira, Tamaulipas
Traigo ésta alegre canción
I bring this joyful song
Y al son del viejo violín y jaranas canto yo
And to the sound of the old violin and guitars, I sing
A las mujeres bonitas que son de mi adoración
To the pretty women who I adore
Pasaste a mi lado con gran indiferencia
You passed by me with great indifference
Tus ojos ni siquiera voltearon hacia mi
Your eyes didn't even turn towards me
Te vi sin que me vieras, te hablé sin que me oyeras
I saw you without you seeing me, I spoke to you without you hearing me
Y toda mi amargura se ahogó dentro de mi
And all my bitterness drowned inside me
Me duele hasta la vida saber que me olvidaste
It hurts me to the core to know that you forgot about me
Pensar que ni desprecios merezca yo de ti
To think that I don't even deserve your scorn
Y sin embargo sigues
And yet you continue
Unida a mi existencia
Connected to my existence
Y si vivo cien años, cien años pienso en ti
And if I live a hundred years, I will think of you for a hundred years
Ya llegó tu enamorado
Your lover has arrived
El que te interrumpe el sueño
The one who interrupts your sleep
Este pobre desgraciado
This poor wretched one
Que anda siempre desvelado
Who is always sleepless
Porque quiere ser tu dueño
Because he wants to be your owner
Mientras la pasión me dure
As long as my passion lasts
Y tu voluntad me aguante
And your will holds out for me
No habrá noche de tu vida
There will be no night in your life
Que no vengan mis mariachis
My mariachis won't come
Y mi voz a despertarte
And my voice to wake you up
Ay ay ay ay ay
Ay ay ay ay ay
La suerte me está fallando
Luck is failing me
Ay ay ay ay ay corazón
Ay ay ay ay ay heart
La vida me estás cambiando
You are changing my life
Ya se va tu enamorado
Your lover is leaving now
Writer(s): Marc Anthony, Jimena Romero, Julio Reyes Copello, Juan Pablo Vega Restrepo
Contributed by Jayden A. 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¡¡¡