Mariachitlán es un homenaje orquestal a Jalisco, la tierra del mariachi. La obra recrea la experiencia de visitar la Plaza de los Mariachis en Guadalajara, donde en cada esquina los mariachis entonan sus sones y se interrumpen unos a otros para atraer al público.

In Mariachitlán, traditional rhythms such as the canción ranchera (ranchera song) in 2/4 time (choon-tah choon-tah), the vals romántico (romantic waltz) in 3/4 time (choon-tah-tah), and the son jalisciense (Jalisco song) that alternates between 6/8 and 3/4 time, accompany original melodies inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Jalisco. Mariachi instruments such as the trumpet, harp, and violin are featured as soloists in this work. Furthermore, the strings emulate the strumming patterns of vihuleas, while the contrabasses growl like guitarrones.

Near the end of the piece, a policeman blows his whistle in an attempt to stop the party. However, the crowd chants “Mariachitlán,” gradually increasing in intensity, and is rewarded with more vibrant music that ends the work with great brilliance.

— Juan Pablo Contreras