Despite its title, Lalo’s “Symphonie espagnole” is essentially a violin concerto, not a symphony.
Musicologist Michael Clive calls the work “a fabulously abundant violin showcase — non-stop fun to hear, and if you happen to be a prodigiously skilled violin virtuoso, a joy to play. … Is it a concerto? With five movements and no cadenzas, not really — although it has won a place alongside the most popular violin concertos.”
Here is Vadim Repin to play this great work:
