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Latin Mandolin

by Sergio Lara

LAS MAÑANITAS

Las mañanitas is a very old folk song from Spain. Today it is best known in its Mexican version. It is often sung to celebrate a birthday.

STYLE: SERENATA

Ser`e`na´ta:
        A piece of vocal music, especially one on an amorous subject; a serenade. Or serenate, which the starved lover sings to his pround fair.

TEMPO: 3/4 WALTZ

At birthday parties, anniversaries, and serenatas we hear one of the many versions of Las Mañanitas being sung by trios, mariachis, bands, and loved ones. There are many verses to this song. Even though I've sung this song at least a thousand times, the look in the eyes of the people to whom the song is dedicated makes it feel like a new song.

This is a beautiful piece for the mandolin, lends itself to play the melody with lots of tremolo and passion.

LYRICS TO LAS MANANITAS: Estas son las mañanitas que cantaba el Rey David; hoy por ser dia de tu santo te las cantamos a ti; Despieta mi bien despierta mira que ya amanecio ;Ya los pajaritos cantan la luna ya se metio;

The Mañanitas (poetic translation)

These are the lovely mañanitas that were sung by Rey David. Today we sing them to a loved one who happy will be. Wake up this early morning and the sun you will see. As the moon leaves us this morning all the birds they will sing. How beautiful is the morning that I come to share with you. We all come in celebration of this special day just for you. The day it is a dawning and the light of day has come. Awaken early this morning to see all that we have done.

The Little Mornings (Literal translation)

These are the little mornings that sang the King David, today for being day of your saint we sing them to you. Wake up my love wake up look that sunrise has come, already the little birds sing the moon already has set. How pretty is the morning that I come on to greet you. We come all with gladness and pleasure to congratulate you. Already comes the sunrise already the light of day has touched us. Get up of morning look that sunrise has come.

My version of "Las Mañanitas" can be heard on "Entre Guitarras & Mandolinas" (Fusion Acustica Music 002-2005) my soon to be released all instrumental new recording of traditional Mexican and American Folk tunes.

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About Sergio Lara

Sergio Lara plays a 1980 Gibson F-5L mandolin, uses Gibson Monel Steel strings and the round side of a Fender Heavy pick. For over 20 years, Sergio has been respected and considered as one of the best artists in acoustic contemporary instrumental music. His last recording with the well-known Latin guitar duo Lara & Reyes, "World Jazz", received a Latin Grammy Award nomination for Best Instrumental Pop Album in 2001. His music belongs to what is known as Latin Jazz and Flamenco Jazz, which falls under the category of Contemporary Instrumental Music and World Music.

Please visit www.sergiolara.com and you can contact me for your questions and comments.