Édouard Lalo's album "Lalo: Violin Concerto, Fantaisie norvegienne & Symphonie espagnole" is a captivating journey through the Romantic era, showcasing the brilliance of this French composer. Released in 2009 by BIS, this album spans a total of 1 hour and 9 minutes, featuring three of Lalo's most celebrated works.
The album opens with the Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 20, a melodious and charming piece composed in 1873. This concerto holds a special significance for Lalo, as he considered it his first work truly worthy of the name. The concerto is divided into three movements: I. Andante - Allegro, II. Andantino, and III. Allegro con fuoco, each showcasing the composer's skill and the violin's expressive range.
Next, the album presents the Fantaisie norvégienne, a delightful piece that, despite its shorter length, offers a glimpse into the vibrant musical culture of Norway. The Fantaisie is divided into three movements: I. Allegretto non troppo, II. Andante, and III. Allegro, each offering a unique blend of Norwegian folk influences and Lalo's distinctive compositional style.
The album concludes with the Symphonie espagnole, Op. 21, a five-movement concerto for violin and orchestra that remains a popular work in the standard repertoire. The Symphonie is divided into five movements: I. Allegro non troppo, II. Scherzando. Allegro molto, III. Intermezzo. Allegretto non troppo, IV. Andante, and V. Rondo. Allegro, each offering a rich tapestry of melodies and rhythms that highlight the violin's virtuosity.
Performed by the talented Jean-Jacques Kantorow with the Granada City Orchestra under the direction of Kees Bakels, this album is a testament to Lalo's enduring legacy and the timeless beauty of his music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
