As French composer of Spanish descent who studied violin at the Paris Conservatoire, Lalo made an early career as member of a string quartet.

It was not until the mid-1870s that Lalo was to achieve widespread acclaim, particularly with several orchestral compositions on which his international reputation chiefly depends.

In 1865 he married Bernier de Maligny, a contralto who sang many of his songs.

Lalo also composed operas and chamber music.

Lalo's flamboyant Symphonie Espagnole is actually a violin concerto in five movements.

Written in 1874, and first performed by the Spanish violinist Pablo Sarasate, it is a popular part of current violin repertoire.

His Cello Concerto in D minor, written in 1877, enjoys rather less popularity, but is perhaps of greater musical interest.