Rafael M\u00e9ndez<\/b> (1906 – 1981) was a popular Mexican virtuoso solo trumpeter. He is known as the “Heifetz of the Trumpet.”<\/p>\n
M\u00e9ndez was born in Jiquilpan, Michoac\u00e1n, Mexico. As a young child, he was the cornetist for Pancho Villa.\u00a0His most famous recording, “Moto Perpetuo”, was written in the eighteenth century by Niccol\u00f2 Paganini for violin and features Mendez double-tonguing continuously for over 4 minutes while circular breathing to give the illusion that he is not taking a natural breath while playing.<\/p>\n
From 1950 to 1975, M\u00e9ndez was a full-time soloist, performing as many as 125 concerts per year. He was also very active as a recording artist, with many of his recordings now available on compact disc. He contributed to the films Flying Down to Rio<\/i> and Hondo<\/i>, among others.<\/p>\n
M\u00e9ndez was legendary for his tone, range, technique and unparalleled double tonguing. His playing was characterized by a brilliant tone, wide vibrato and clean, rapid articulation. His repertoire was a mixture of classical, popular, jazz, and Mexican folk music. He contributed many arrangements and original compositions to the trumpet repertoire. His Scherzo in D minor<\/i> is often heard in recitals, and has been recorded by David Hickman.<\/p>\n
The music building of Arizona State University, which houses the Rafael M\u00e9ndez Library, was established in 1993.<\/p>\n