Edouard Lalo - Biography

Edouard Lalo Biography


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


This biography is published under the GNU Licence