Édouard Lalo

Édouard Victoire Antoine Lalo (January 27, 1823 - April 22, 1892) was a French composer of Spanish descent.

He was born in Lille, France and studied at the conservatoire there and then at the Paris Conservatoire under François Antoine Habeneck . He worked as a violinist (particularly playing chamber music) and teacher in Paris before gaining fame as a composer. He died in Paris.

Although Lalo is a lesser known 19th-century composer, his Symphonie Espagnole for violin and orchestra enjoys a prominent place in violinists' repertoire. He is also known for other solo works, including his Cello Concerto in D minor , and for his opera "Le roi d'Ys" (premiered 1888). His work is notable for strong melodies and colourful orchestration.

Selected works

• Cello Concerto in D minor
• Piano Concerto in F minor
• Violin Concerto in F major
• Symphonie Espagnole (for violin and orchestra)
• Symphony in G minor
• Two Aubades for orchestra
• Divertissement for orchestra
• Norwegian Rhapsody for orchestra
• Scherzo in D minor for orchestra
• Two Namouna Suites
• Le Roi d'Ys (an opera)
• Three piano trios