Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, founded in 1898 by Gaspar Vargas in Tecalitlan, Jalisco is considered the most important and influential group in the history of mariachi music, playing an integral role in the evolution of the genre.

They have entertained countless heads of states throughout the world and were the first Mariachi to perform at the White House. Mariachi Vargas is the only mariachi that’s been allowed to perform at the Pyramids of Egypt.

Mariachi Vargas appeared on Linda Ronstadt’s award-winning album Canciones de Mi Padre. Rondstadt later toured with the group, exposing international audiences to original Mexican mariachi music.

The Houston Grand Opera collaborated with Mariachi Vargas’ acclaimed leader, José “Pepe” Martinez, to write the score and collaborate with librettist Leonard Foglia in creating the world’s first mariachi opera, “Cruzar la Cara de la Luna” (“To Cross the Face of the Moon”), which was presented to sold-out venues in Paris, Houston, Chicago and San Diego.

Mariachi Vargas has produced over 50 recordings that include sones huastecos sones (a style of traditional Mexican music), waltzes, popurris (medleys), polkas, huapango, and cumbias.

I chose this piece because I thought that it was interesting to hear of an opera score written for a mariachi band to play when that is not its normal setting for when that kind of music is played. I also thought that this would have most likely introduced mariachi music to people who listen to opera that might not have heard that kind of music before. 

Video Link: Cruzar la Cara de la Luna/ Mariachi Vargas 11/13/10