Lili Boulanger

Short biography: Lili Boulanger was a French composer born in Paris in 1893 into a musical family. She studied composition at the Paris Conservatoire and became the first woman to win the Prix de Rome in 1913 for her cantata "Faust et Hélène." Despite her exceptional talent and early recognition, her career was cut short by chronic illness. She died in 1918 at the age of 24, having composed a significant body of work in her brief lifetime.

Historical placement: Boulanger worked during the early 20th century, bridging late Romantic and modern musical styles. Her compositions demonstrate sophisticated harmonic language and orchestration, often incorporating impressionistic elements while maintaining structural clarity. Though her career was tragically brief, she made important contributions to French art song, choral music, and orchestral composition. Her achievement as the first female Prix de Rome winner marked a significant milestone for women composers.

Personal connections: Her sister Nadia Boulanger was a renowned composition teacher and conductor who later became one of the most influential pedagogue of the 20th century. Her father Ernest Boulanger was a composer and winner of the Prix de Rome in 1835. She studied composition with Paul Vidal at the Paris Conservatoire.

Important works:
Faust et Hélène – Cantata (1913)
Psaume 24 – Choral work (1916)
Psaume 130 "Du fond de l'abîme" – Choral work (1917-1918)
D'un matin de printemps – Chamber work (1918)
D'un soir triste – Chamber work (1918)
Clairières dans le ciel – Song cycle (1913-1914)
La Princesse Maleine – Opera (incomplete, 1912-1918)
Pie Jesu – Choral work (1918)