Publisher's Synopsis
Born and raised in the small village of Jiquilpan, some three hundred miles southwest of Mexico City, Rafael Méndez (1906-1981) began playing cornet in his family's orchestra, forced to travel with the Mexican revolutionist Pancho Villa, since his troops needed entertainment each night after much travelling and battling with government armies. His story is inspiring not only for trumpeters and other musicians, but for everyone seeking a dream. His unparalleled work ethic as a musician has influenced thousands of people in all professions. This excellent and complete book discusses the life, career, and influences of Méndez as seen from the Mexican point of view. It contains much information gained from extensive research in the United States and Mexico which has not been written before. The Author Alejandra Rosas Olvera is a trumpet player from México City. She has a vast experience as a trumpeter in symphony orchestras and popular music groups. She has also worked in the field of cultural management in the organization and coordination of some musical activities, including the Rafael Méndez International Festival. At present, she is a trumpet professor at the State of Morelos. The Spanish version Rafael Méndez: Homenaje al trompetista mexicano, was published in 2016, and she has presented it at the most important music festivals in México, Guatemala and Perú.Alejandra's intense activity on spreading the life of the legendary Rafael Méndez has given her the opportunity to appear in different media, as well as in the 2019 International Women Brass Conference at Arizona State University. This text is not only a detailed biography of Rafael Méndez, but an act of love to him, to the instrument shared by both and by other players who have brought Mexico the deserved acknowledgment as a land of excellent trumpeters."The English version of Rosas's book is a welcome addition to the growing repertory of information on Rafael Méndez. His story serves as an inspiration to all." -David Hickman "One of the greatest musicians in the history of music and the instrument: Rafael Méndez. I strongly recommend everyone to have this book and learn from the life of this great man." -Arturo Sandoval"I recommend this book because it is a pearl, and not only for Mexico, but this book should be around the world."-Rubén Simeó"A unique and impressive material ... get this jewel, it is as important as the Jean Baptiste Arban method, this is a bedside book, you must have it." -Pacho Flores"So far, it is the most comprehensive and easy-to-read biography on the figure of the great Rafael Méndez, not only as a trumpet player, but as a visionary, artist and professor. A very complete source of information." -Giuliano Sommerhalder
