Estrellita Arr. Fred Peña

5.0 Marimba Solo

Composed by Manuel Ponce in 1912, Estrellita is one of the most beloved songs in the Mexican and Latin American music repertoire. With lyrics by Josefina García Ponce, the song expresses a tender, romantic longing, using the metaphor of a star to represent a beloved person. Originally written for voice and piano, the work has been performed worldwide in various arrangements for voice, guitar, orchestra, and more. The song reflects the spirit of Mexican nationalism in the early 20th century, blending European classical techniques with Mexican folk influences. Its enduring popularity ensures its place as a symbol of Mexican musical heritage and romanticism. This arrangement began as a personal passion project. In the spring of 2024, I realized I did not know any classical Mexican composers and dove into the works of Carlos Chavez, Maria Teresa Prieto, and especially Manuel Ponce. Ponce’s guitar preludes and piano works resonated with me, and this arrangement is an attempt to blend elements from the two with my own experiences. First premiering at my senior recital in November of 2024, this serves as a love letter to my family, my culture, and the work of Manuel Ponce.

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Upon purchase, you will receive a secure 24-hour link to the digital performance materials including:

1. Full Score and Parts — PDF format