Praised by Tchaikovsky for its "freshness, lightness, [and] piquant rhythms," Edouard Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole is essentially a violin concerto in an unusual form. Where a traditional concerto has three movements, it has five, each displaying a different facet of Spanish influence. Lalo composed the piece for the Spanish violinist Pablo de Sarasate, who himself wrote many pieces exhibiting the musical styles of his native land. Today, the Symphonie Espagnole, with its sparkling vivacity and beautiful melodies, is a staple of the violin literature, performed by advancing students and professionals alike.

Difficulty: ASTA grade 6