program notes

JOHANNES BRAHMS
(1833–1897)

Lalo was born in 1823 in Lille, a city in northern France. His family had a Spanish heritage, and this cultural influence would later become a hallmark of his compositions. Lalo's father, a violinist, recognized his son's musical talents and provided him with early musical training. However, later on Lalo’s attempt at becoming a professional musician was intensely opposed by his father. Nevertheless, at age 16 he attended the Paris Conservatory where he studied violin and composition, and thereafter worked as a violinist, violist, and a teacher.

Lalo’s most famous piece, Symphonie Espagnole, was composed in 1874 for the Spanish violin virtuoso Pablo de Sarasate. This five-movement work is an exuberant fusion of French and Spanish musical elements. Lalo masterfully weaves Spanish folk rhythms and melodies into a classical symphonic structure. The result is a vibrant and passionate showcase for the solo violin, with its fiery bravura and lyrical beauty.