Lili Boulanger, D’un matin de printemps

D’un matin de printemps (“Of a spring morning”) is a dreamy, masterful work originally composed as a duet for violin/flute and piano in 1917, and shortly after translated into a full orchestration in 1918. Early on, Marie-Juliette “Lili” Boulanger was considered a true child prodigy in music, being able to read music before learning the alphabet, sing complex melodies, and have perfect pitch. Despite growing up facing relentless chronic illnesses that eventually led to her premature death in 1918 at age 25, she became skilled in piano, harp, violin, cello, and organ, and mastered music theory. Notably, Boulanger was the very first woman to win the highly prestigious, competitive Prix de Rome at just 19 years old, shattering predominant gender barriers in music at the time.

D’un matin de printemps was one of the last pieces she was able to compose at the end of her life while she was bedbound, yet the piece’s liveliness and energy is a stark contrast to her despairing reality. This brief but profound piece serves as the light, optimistic counterpart to D’un soir triste (“Of a sad evening”). 

The piece opens with playful rhythms and lively melodies, transitions to a more rich/mysterious middle section, and finishes off with a triumphant, resolute ending. Boulanger highlights many instruments throughout, starting with a joyfully enigmatic tune from the flute that moves towards a slower, murky melody played by the bass clarinet reflecting the feeling of being lost. Then approaches a delicate, supple violin solo part way through, with the piece ending as a unique downward harp glissando leads into one final abrupt chord.

-Catherine Hodges, Shorecrest High School, harp