Lili Boulanger (1893 - 1918)

After a cultured upbringing in a musical family, Lili Boulanger, although physically weakened by Krohn's disease, earned considerable recognition as a composer in her short life. She studied harmony and counterpoint with Georges Caussade before she matriculated at the Paris Conservatoire, and eventually won the Prix de Rome, a prize earlier denied her sister Nadia. Lili Boulanger's choral music of psalm settings are memorable. She also wrote chamber music, piano music and songs. Her music is characterized by ardent lyricism, contrapuntal strength and and a unique harmonic language.