Search - Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan :: Pasodobles Con El Mejor Mariachi Del Mundo

Classic Mariachi

James Lopez | Los Angeles, CA USA | 01/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan are known as the best mariachi in the world, and it is definitely for a reason. The musicianship is tight, with all of the guitars, trumpets, and strings executed perfectly and beautifully. The beauty, quality, and precision of this recording is so well-executed that one could very well mistake the songs for being performed by an entire orquestra (as opposed to what is really an ancient folk ensemble)! That being said, one must understand a little bit about the pasodoble before really understanding the album. Pasodobles are Spanish marches that traveled to Latin America during the existence of the vast Spanish empire. It thrived in many different Spanish colonies, particularly those in which the old Spanish tradition of bullfighting was popular; however, both bullfighting and the pasodoble became extremely prolific in Mexico. Today, the pasodoble exists as both the traditional music for bullfights as well as a type of song used for ballroom dancing. The songform itself is very interesting; it seems to be a fusion of North African/Moorish melodies with western rhythms and instrumentation. It is particularly beautiful when played by a mariachi ensemble, of which it seems almost made for. In fact, most mariachi groups include at least a few pasodobles in their sets. The song "Lorenzo Garza" makes a perfect introduction to the album, functioning as a strong beckon to the listener. "Por Tapatias" boasts an impressive opening trumpet, and the famous "Juan Silveti" is perhaps the most exciting song on the album, with it's slightly brooding mood. Also, "La Machicha" is a nice addition as well, as it is perhaps one of the "cutest" pasodobles ever composed. Of course, this is all made possible by the capable hands of the world-renown Mariachi Vargas. For a good taste of old Mexico, this is an excellent album of beautiful and exciting music, and a wonderful addition to the many excellent recordings of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. Classic mariachi in its entirety!"

The best pasodobles

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 04/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originally conceived as music for La Fiesta Brava or bullfight, the pasodobles presented here by Mariachi Vargas are some of the best within their genre. Whether you love the music of the bullfight or are into ballroom dancing the pasodoble has a catching and infectous, unique style. Filled with emotion the songs sing of passion and evoke the strongest feelings. Seven of the songs are written about famous bullfighters beginning with the "Lorenzo Garza", "Juan Silveti", the great Spaniard "Carlos Arruza", "Capetillo", "Fermin", "Curro Venzor" and the recently departed great Mexican "Silverio" Perez. The homage to La Fiesta Brava and it's best proponents is a thing of beauty. The songs are quite famous amongst aficionados of bullfighting and most recently given new life by ballroom dancing. Not being into ballroom dancing I was surprised to hear pasodobles being used on a television show my wife was watching and had to take a peak. I was surprised but the music does lend itself to dancing quite well. This explains why this is the top selling mariachi disc at Amazon as of this writting. I am sure Maraich Vargas is quite pleased now even though this vintage release was not intended for ballroom dancing but rather for aficionados of La Fiest Brava. Mariachi Vargas is arguably the best mariachi group in the world and you can't go wrong with these interpretations. The arrangements are the best as are the chosen musicians. If you are in the Mariachi Vargas it is because you are the best at what you do. I would recommend this disc for anyone into ballroom dancing or if you just like mariachi or La Fierta Brava."

Bullfight music with violins and no large brass instruments

Harvey Follender | 08/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is bullfight music by a mariachi band. Some bullfight bands include large brass instruments (like the tuba or French horn) and few, if any, violins. This band has no large brass instruments and the violins predominate. I mention this distinction so you can choose whichever suits you. I like both alternatives and bought both types. You can find both by searching on "Bullfight Music". When I searched, I found this CD of a mariachi band with the strong violins. Other CDs had the large brass instruments."