Édouard Lalo, whose family emigrated from Spain to France in the 16th century, chose music over a military career, studying violin, cello, and composition in Paris without family financial support.
Compositional Technique
Édouard Lalo's Cello Concerto includes a direct reference to his Spanish roots in the finale, quoting a popular melody from a zarzuela titled 'El hombre es débil' (Man is weak).
Composition History
Édouard Lalo's success as a composer only came when he was nearly 50, through his collaboration with the famous violinist Pablo de Sarasate, for whom he wrote his violin concertos.
Instruments
Bruno Delepelaire plays an early 18th-century cello made by Matteo Goffriller from Venice, on loan from the Karolina Blaberg Foundation.
Performer Biography
Bruno Delepelaire, the principal cellist of the Berliner Philharmoniker since 2013, has won prestigious awards both as a soloist and with his string quartet, Quatuor Cavatine.
Critical Reception
Édouard Lalo's Cello Concerto was so enthusiastically received at its 1877 Paris premiere that it had to be repeated in another concert.
Interpretation
Bruno Delepelaire finds playing an Italian cello, like his Matteo Goffriller, requires more effort to shape the sound compared to a French cello, strengthening his relationship with the instrument.
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