Rafael
Méndez
One of the
greatest trumpeters of all time.
Background:
Rafael Méndez was born on March 26,
1906, in Jiquilpan, Michoacan, Mexico. He died in his Encino,
California
home, September 15, 1981.
The author:
In 1961, Rafael Méndez wrote a text
book, Prelude
to Brass Playing.
For a long, long time the book was out
of print. But, in June 2004, via David Peter Coppen (librarian at
Eastman School of Music) I got this message:
I have
recently been informed by Lola Kavonic, Manager of Business Affairs at
the head office of publisher Carl Fischer, LLC that the book is due to
be reissued by Carl Fischer within the year.
Go to the publisher, Carl Fischer Inc. !
Latest on the book (August 2004): It was Edward
Gibney who wrote the book, Méndez
did some editing.
Biography:
In 1994 Summit Books
published a biography called Magnificent
Méndez
On film:
Méndez play
trumpet in the motion picture Cowboy from 1958.
On video:
Méndez in Memory, a video
presentation of the trumpet legend, taken from home films and various
presentations.
You can order it from Summit
Recordings:
The composer:
Rafael composed and
arranged many pieces through his career. Most of them was for his own
performances (including trios for himself and his two twin sons, Ralph
and Robert).
The motivator:
Rafael believed
music could play an influential part in childern's development. During
the late 1950s and early 1960s, Rafael gave many clinics to bands all
over USA. Thousands of young players met him and were thrilled by his
charisma. If you was one of them, perhaps you would like to tell about
your meeting?
Links:
oj
- 2003 - 2007
