Raphael Méndez
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Rafael Méndez (b. March 26, 1906, d. September 15, 1981) was a Mexican-American trumpet soloist. As a young boy, Méndez performed as a trumpeter and guitarist for Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution. Méndez moved to the United States in 1926, where he soon gained success as a freelance trumpeter.
From 1950 to 1975, Méndez was a full time soloist, performing as many as 125 concerts per year. He was also very active as a recording artist. Many of his recordings are now available on Compact Disc.
Méndez's playing was characterized by a brilliant tone, wide vibrato and clean, rapid articulation. His repertoire was a mixture of classical, popular, Mexican folk music and jazz. Méndez contributed many arrangements and original compositions to the trumpet repertoire. His "Scherzo in D Minor" is often heard in recitals, and has been recorded by David Hickman.
The Music building of Arizona State University houses the Rafael Méndez Library, established in 1993.
