Symphonie Espagnole

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The Symphonie Espagnole is a work for violin and orchestra by Edouard Lalo, his Opus 21 in D minor. Written in 1874 for violinist Pablo de Sarasate, it was premiered in Paris, France in February of 1875.

Though officially a symphony (the name translates as "Spanish Symphony"), it is considered a violin concerto by musicians today. The piece has Spanish motifs throughout, and launched a period when Spanish-themed music came into vogue (Georges Bizet's opera Carmen premiered a month after Symphonie Espagnole did). The Symphonie Espagnole is considered one of Lalo's most well-known works, the other being his cello concerto. His "official" Concerto in F for violin, Opus 20, and his Symphony in G minor for orchestra without solo instruments, written thirteen years later, are neither performed nor recorded as often.