Rafael Méndez Arceo

Rafael Méndez (March 26, 1906 – September 15, 1981) was a Mexican virtuoso solo trumpeter. He is known as the "Heifetz of the Trumpet."

Early life Méndez was born in Jiquilpan, Michoacán, Mexico to a musical family. becoming a favourite musician of his and required to remain with Villa's camp. By 1940, he was in Hollywood leading the brass section of M-G-M's studio orchestra. The library holds 300 manuscripts and almost 700 compositions and arrangements by Méndez, as well as hundreds of images, articles and recordings.

In 2006, the Los Angeles Opera paid tribute to Rafael Mendez by performing a work based on his life. A reviewer in The Los Angeles Times believed that Mendez "has been called the greatest trumpet player of all time." Concerto for Méndez Love and Inspiration Magnificent Méndez Méndez in Madrid Méndez Plays Arban Rafael Méndez & Laurindo Almeida Together Rafael Méndez (unplayed 4 disc set) Rafael Méndez and His Orchestra The Magic Trumpet of Rafael Méndez The Majestic Sound of Rafael Méndez The Singing Trumpet The Trumpet Virtuosity of Rafael Méndez Trumpet Extraordinary (1957) Trumpet Showcase Trumpet Solos Extraordinary Trumpet Spectacular