This violoncello Concerto, composed in 1876, is in the usual three movements. The first has a slow Introduction before the main quick part appears, opening with a bold, majestic tune played by the soloist. It is the soloist also who has the gentler and more plaintive second tune. In the working out section the theme of the Introduction is used as well as these two, and after the customary recapitulation, there is a little coda.
The second movement has two contrasted moods. First, after a little introduction, a bright song-like tune for the solo violoncello, and the other more vivacious and sprightly. Both of these are repeated.
The last movement has again a short Introduction, with something Spanish in its tune.
Listeners will remember that Lalo more than once turned to Spain for inspiration. The movement itself is a Rondo, in lively measure, the principal tune appearing first on the solo instrument in a merry triplet measure.