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THE COMPOSER
THE COMPOSER
José Pablo Moncayo (1912-1958) was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. After piano and composition studies with Carlos Chavez at the Mexico City Conservatory and later Aaron Copland, he became a percussionist for the Mexican State Symphony Orchestra (which he later returned to conduct).
Early in his career, Moncayo joined a musical movement which sought to revitalize Mexican music and awaken a nationalist spirit in the process. His creative compositions therefore often include traditional indigenous music fused with popular Mexican tunes. Huapango and the opera La mulata de Cordoba are some of his best-known compositions.
THE HISTORY
THE HISTORY
Moncayo found inspiration for this composition during his travels to Mexico’s Veracruz region, where he witnessed villagers dancing the ‘huapango’ – a traditional Nahuatl dance. Folk huapangos can be played in many forms, ranging from small orchestras to large mariachi bands, but they all share the same spirited rhythm.
THE MEANING
THE MEANING
This composition is so popular in Mexico that it has often been referred to as the nation's unofficial national anthem. But more importantly, it is the representation of a composer turning away from European influence, instead drawing from his own heritage and culture for inspiration, as did Aaron Copland in the United States.
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