Biography
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Born
26 March 1906
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Died
15 September 1981 (aged 75)
Rafael Méndez (March 26, 1906 - September 15, 1981) was a popular virtuoso solo trumpeter.
As a young child in his native Mexico, Mendez was the cornetist for Pancho Villa. Mendez is legendary for his tone, range and technique. His most famous recording, "Moto Perpetuo," was written by Niccolò 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.
Around the time of his retirement, Méndez asked a fellow trumpeter, Tom Hernandez (who had studied under Méndez and Maurice André) to take over his soloing duties, but Tom declined in order to continue with his directing.
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