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Composer

Édouard Lalo

1823 — 1892

About

Concerts and Operas

Musical Moment: María Dueñas in Berlin
Meistersaal, Berlin
Concert49 Min

Albums

Lalo: Piano Trios Nos. 1, 2 & 3
Leonore Piano Trio
Lalo: Symphonie espagnole, Op. 21 – Saint-Saëns: Violin Concerto No. 3
Itzhak Perlman, Orchestre de Paris, Daniel Barenboim

Appears On

Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon & Decca
Itzhak Perlman
Nervous
Various Artists
Passionate
Various Artists
Angry
Various Artists
Romantique
Elīna Garanča, Filarmonica del Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Yves Abel
French Opera Arias
Roberto Alagna, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Bertrand de Billy
Rare French Works: Fauré: Violin Concerto – Canteloube: Poème etc.
Philippe Graffin, Ulster Orchestra, Thierry Fischer
Lalo & Saint-Saëns: Cello Concertos
Pierre Fournier, Orchestre Lamoureux, Berliner Philharmoniker, Jean Martinon, Alfred Wallenstein

AboutÉdouard Lalo

Édouard Lalo's reputation rests, above all, on his three most successful and, at the same time, most characteristic works: the Symphonie espagnole, the ballet Namouna, and the opera Le roi d'Ys. In spite of the objections of his father, who would have preferred him to follow another profession, he showed a marked predilection for music from a very early age. He left his native Lille and attended Habeneck's violin class at the Paris Conservatoire while studying composition privately, but his first works – two trios – encountered such indifference that the discouraged composer abandoned music for several years. His marriage to a singer with a magnificent contralto voice revived his interest in music and he wrote Fiesque, a three-act opera based on Schiller, that was unfortunately never staged. His next works proved more successful, including, as they did, his two Aubades, his F Major Violin Concerto, and his famous Symphonie espagnole, introduced by the great Spanish violinist Pablo Sarasate in 1875. It was this last piece, with its fresh and striking melodies, that proved his greatest success. His career as a composer culminated in two theatrical works, the ballet Namouna, first staged at the Paris Opéra in 1882, and his most celebrated piece of all, the opera Le roi d'Ys, which, with its charming folk idiom, was finally mounted at the Opéra-Comique in 1888.

Explore Édouard Lalo's Music Masterpieces

Experience the enchanting world of Édouard Lalo, a prolific French composer, who left an indelible mark on the classical music scene. Despite his father's objections, Lalo pursued his passion for music from a young age, nurturing his talent at the Paris Conservatoire under the guidance of François Antoine Habeneck. His journey was not without its challenges, but his determination and talent led him to create some of the most captivating music of the Romantic era.

Lalo's Artistic Journey

Born in Lille in 1823, Lalo defied his father’s wishes for a non-musical career and moved to Paris to study violin. Early in his career, Lalo faced discouragement when his initial works, including two trios, were met with indifference. However, this did not deter the young composer. His marriage to a contralto singer rekindled his musical ambitions and led to the creation of Fiesque, an opera based on Schiller’s work that unfortunately remained unperformed.

Lalo's Musical Contributions

Lalo's fortunes flickered to life with his F Major Violin Concerto and two Aubades. However, it was the Symphonie espagnole, premiered by famed Spanish violinist Pablo Sarasate in 1875, that truly stood out. Celebrated for its fresh, vibrant melodies and virtuosic violin writing, it remains Lalo’s most popular and enduring composition. The piece is especially notable for its incorporation of Spanish musical colors—an homage to both Sarasate’s heritage and Lalo’s own Spanish roots—paired with French orchestral brilliance and clarity.

Lalo’s ballet Namouna, first staged at the Paris Opéra in 1882, reflects his flair for theatrical writing and orchestral color. Though less frequently performed today, it was a milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to write evocative, rhythmic, and characterful music for the stage.

The opera Le roi d'Ys, finally mounted at the Opéra-Comique in 1888, stands as Lalo’s crowning achievement in dramatic music. Infused with charming folk idioms, it demonstrates his gift for melody and orchestration. Despite initial challenges in getting the work staged, it ultimately became a significant success and remains his most celebrated operatic work.

Rediscover Édouard Lalo's brilliant contribution to music and immerse yourself in his harmonious masterpieces at Meistersaal, Berlin. His captivating music journey still resonates with every ardent music lover today.