Marie-Juliette Olga "Lili" Boulanger (Aug. 21, 1893 - March 15, 1918) was a French composer, and  the younger sister of the famed composition teacher/composer Nadia Boulanger. Born in Paris, Lili Boulanger was a child prodigy; at the age of two, it was discovered that she had perfect pitch. Her parents, both musicians, encouraged her musical education, and she would accompany her sister Nadia to classes at the Paris Conservatory, studying music theory and organ. Her sister Nadia was one of her teachers, and later on studied with Paul Vidal, George Caussade, and Gabriel Faure, who was particularly impressed by her abilities. Lili would go on to win the Prix de Rome at the age of 19; she was the first woman to ever win the composition prize. Tragically, she died at the young age of 24.

Boulanger's output comprised of choral and orchestral works, and works for violin and piano, (one piece which we have explore before, which you can read about here). Originally written as an orchestral work, D'un matin de printemps was also arranged by Boulanger for flute or violin and piano.  A lively work that is firmly planted in Impressionism, the piano line is in constant motion of dancing eighth notes for the beginning, while the expressive violin part soars above. At times the melodic line seems biting, and at others sparkling. Whether the melodic line is played by the flute or piano, this lesser known but wonderful work is a geat part of the violin and flute repertoire!

Here's a recording of this work for you to enjoy!

Olivier Charlier, Emile Naomoff