Deux Morceaux: Nocturne and Cortege for viola and piano; Lili Boulanger

Deux Morceaux: Nocturne and Cortege for viola and piano by Lili Boulanger

Published by International Edition. Edited by Elaine Fine

• Lili Boulanger (1893-1918), sister of famous pedagogue Nadia Boulanger, was a child prodigy, an adept performer of violin, piano, harp, and voice. But she is most remembered as a gifted composer of choral and orchestral works, songs, and chamber works. Shades of Faure and Debussy can be heard in her work and she was a formative influence on Arthur Honegger. She became the first woman to win the prestigious Prix de Rome prize in 1913, at the age of 19. She died of illness at the young age of 24.

Her Nocturne and Cortege are a pair of pieces composed in 1911 and 1914, respectively, often performed in versions for violin and piano. Both exemplify the symbolist sound of her style. The Nocturne is a soaring, melodic piece of intensity, mystery, and drama, while the Cortege is dance-like, one of the few joyful and carefree works in Boulanger's repertory. These two piece are arranged here for viola and piano by Elaine Fine. Includes viola and piano parts. For advanced players.