Lili Boulanger (1893–1918) was a French composer whose remarkable talent and tragically short life left an enduring mark on classical music. Born into a highly musical family—her father, Ernest Boulanger, was a composer, and her sister, Nadia Boulanger, became a renowned music teacher—Lili showed prodigious ability from an early age. Despite suffering from chronic illness throughout her life, she studied at the Paris Conservatoire and, in 1913, became the first woman to win the prestigious Prix de Rome for her cantata Faust et Hélène. This victory solidified her reputation as a rising star in the world of composition.

Boulanger’s music is known for its rich harmonies, vivid orchestration, and deep emotional intensity. She composed in a variety of genres, including choral, orchestral, and chamber music, often drawing on religious and symbolist influences. Some of her most notable works include Psalm 24, Psalm 129, and Pie Jesu, the latter of which she dictated from her deathbed. Her music, while rooted in late Romanticism and Impressionism, also exhibits a striking individuality, blending lush harmonies with a sense of poignant fragility that reflects her own struggles with illness.

Sadly, Boulanger’s life was cut short by complications from what was deemed intestinal tuberculosis but is now believed by some to have been Crohn’s disease. She died at the age of 24, leaving behind a small but extraordinary body of work that continues to be performed and admired today. Her legacy endures not only through her compositions but also through the efforts of her sister Nadia, who championed Lili’s music and influence for decades. Lili Boulanger remains an important figure in music history, recognized for her groundbreaking achievements and the emotional depth of her compositions.