PERSONAL LIFE
When and where were you born?
I was born on June 29, 1912 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
What school did you attend?
I studied at the National Conservatory of Music.
What was your greatest achievement?
I composed the Huapango, considered the second national anthem of Mexico.
Did you have any unusual hobbies?
Yes, I played football in my youth.
What was happening in Mexico when you were born?
The Mexican Revolution was taking place
What was your family like?
I came from a humble family; my father was a craftsman.
Did you have an important teacher or mentor in your life?
Yes, among them I had Carlos Chavez, Candelario Huizar and Aaron Copland.
What impact did it have on your country?
I strengthened Mexican musical identity by fusing folk music with symphony.
Any funny anecdotes?
I told my wife, “The more my heart grows, the more I love you,” during her illness.
What was happening in Mexico when Moncayo composed Huapango in 1941?
We were living through the Second World War and although Mexico had not yet participated, there was a sense of global unity.
Did you have any brothers or sisters? What role did they play in your life?
Yes, I had several. My older brother played the violin and influenced my love of music.
Did you receive any kind of academic recognition?
Yes, I was a professor at the Conservatory and received scholarships to study abroad.
What legacy did he leave?
He left behind a key repertoire for Mexican symphonic music and generations of students.
What's a surprising thing that almost no one knows about him?
I played in cafes to survive and studied with Aaron Copland in the US.
What happened in Mexico when he was an orchestra conductor? The 1940s and 1950s
In Mexico we were experiencing economic and cultural growth
What was your childhood like?
It was a difficult childhood financially, but one marked by my musical talent. I moved to Mexico City when I was young.
What social problems did he face?
Facing social inequality, cultural nationalism and economic crisis.
How did your work influence your community?
I inspired Mexican musicians and contributed to the national cultural heritage.
How did he dress?
I dressed formally, like a musician and orchestra conductor.
What impact did World War II have on your career?
En México tuvimos un auge económico y mayor estabilidad interna
Were you married or had a partner? Did you have children?
Yes, I married Clara Elena Rodríguez and had two daughters.
What contributions did he make to teaching or learning?
I taught future generations of Mexican musicians and was a pillar in the formation of the national musical identity from the academy.
What message do you leave for young people?
That with effort and love for culture, much can be achieved.
Was he a good artist at anything else?
I excelled as a professional musician, but no other artistic hobbies are known.
Who was the president when he died?
When I died, the president was Adolfo Ruiz Cortines