Juliette Nadia Boulanger was a French composer, conductor, and one of the most influential music educators of the 20th century. She was born on September 16, 1887, in Paris, France, and died on October 22, 1979.
Born into an exceptionally musical family, Boulanger’s early life was steeped in the arts. Her father, Ernest Boulanger, was a distinguished composer and professor at the Paris Conservatoire. Her mother, Raïssa Myshetskaya, was a Russian princess and a musician. Her younger sister, Lili Boulanger, would grow to become a renowned composer, known as the first female winner of the Prix de Rome.
Nadia began her music studies at a young age, initially tutored by her parents and later enrolling at the prestigious Paris Conservatoire at the age of nine. There, she studied composition with Gabriel Fauré and organ with Louis Vierne and Charles-Marie Widor. A highly accomplished student, Boulanger placed second in the Prix de Rome competition in 1908, losing out on the top spot in a decision that was seen as controversial.
Although Boulanger composed several works early in her career, including a string quartet and a series of songs, she largely abandoned composition after her sister Lili’s death in 1918. She stated that she didn’t feel she had anything of significance to add in the world of composition. Instead, Boulanger dedicated herself to teaching, becoming one of the most respected and influential music educators of her time.
As a teacher, Boulanger was renowned for her rigorous approach to music education, emphasizing a strong theoretical foundation, an intimate knowledge of musical forms, and an in-depth study of music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. She was a professor at the American Conservatory of Fontainebleau from 1921, where she directed a class in the study of musical composition.
Throughout her career, Boulanger taught many of the most important composers, musicians, and music educators of the 20th century. Her students included a host of notable names such as Aaron Copland, Quincy Jones, Philip Glass, Elliott Carter, Astor Piazzolla, and many others. These students would go on to shape the course of Western art music, jazz, and popular music, making Boulanger’s impact truly immeasurable.
In addition to teaching, Boulanger was also an active conductor and music promoter. She worked tirelessly to promote the music of her contemporaries and her students, conducting numerous premieres of their works. Boulanger was the first woman to conduct many major orchestras in America and Europe, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Despite her decision to cease composing, Boulanger’s influence on the world of music is undeniable. Through her teaching and conducting, she shaped generations of composers and musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the music of the 20th century.
Boulanger was awarded the U.S. Legion of Honor, the highest American honor, for her contribution to music and her role in fostering Franco-American cultural exchange. She was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Nadia Boulanger passed away in 1979, leaving behind an enduring legacy. Her influence continues to resonate in the world of music through her many students and the countless musicians they went on to teach. She is remembered as a formidable musician, a dedicated teacher, and a pioneer who broke barriers in the traditionally male-dominated fields of conducting and music education.
Nadia Boulanger (1887 – 1979)
Juliette Nadia Boulanger was a French composer, conductor, and one of the most influential music educators of the 20th century. She was born on September 16, 1887, in Paris, France, and died on October 22, 1979.
Born into an exceptionally musical family, Boulanger’s early life was steeped in the arts. Her father, Ernest Boulanger, was a distinguished composer and professor at the Paris Conservatoire. Her mother, Raïssa Myshetskaya, was a Russian princess and a musician. Her younger sister, Lili Boulanger, would grow to become a renowned composer, known as the first female winner of the Prix de Rome.
Nadia began her music studies at a young age, initially tutored by her parents and later enrolling at the prestigious Paris Conservatoire at the age of nine. There, she studied composition with Gabriel Fauré and organ with Louis Vierne and Charles-Marie Widor. A highly accomplished student, Boulanger placed second in the Prix de Rome competition in 1908, losing out on the top spot in a decision that was seen as controversial.
Although Boulanger composed several works early in her career, including a string quartet and a series of songs, she largely abandoned composition after her sister Lili’s death in 1918. She stated that she didn’t feel she had anything of significance to add in the world of composition. Instead, Boulanger dedicated herself to teaching, becoming one of the most respected and influential music educators of her time.
As a teacher, Boulanger was renowned for her rigorous approach to music education, emphasizing a strong theoretical foundation, an intimate knowledge of musical forms, and an in-depth study of music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. She was a professor at the American Conservatory of Fontainebleau from 1921, where she directed a class in the study of musical composition.
Throughout her career, Boulanger taught many of the most important composers, musicians, and music educators of the 20th century. Her students included a host of notable names such as Aaron Copland, Quincy Jones, Philip Glass, Elliott Carter, Astor Piazzolla, and many others. These students would go on to shape the course of Western art music, jazz, and popular music, making Boulanger’s impact truly immeasurable.
In addition to teaching, Boulanger was also an active conductor and music promoter. She worked tirelessly to promote the music of her contemporaries and her students, conducting numerous premieres of their works. Boulanger was the first woman to conduct many major orchestras in America and Europe, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Despite her decision to cease composing, Boulanger’s influence on the world of music is undeniable. Through her teaching and conducting, she shaped generations of composers and musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the music of the 20th century.
Boulanger was awarded the U.S. Legion of Honor, the highest American honor, for her contribution to music and her role in fostering Franco-American cultural exchange. She was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Nadia Boulanger passed away in 1979, leaving behind an enduring legacy. Her influence continues to resonate in the world of music through her many students and the countless musicians they went on to teach. She is remembered as a formidable musician, a dedicated teacher, and a pioneer who broke barriers in the traditionally male-dominated fields of conducting and music education.
Discography
Nocturne, et lumineux
Eline Hensels
Daniël Kramer
The Boulanger Legacy
Merel Vercammen
Dina Ivanova
L’esprit du temps
Anastasia Feruleva
Frank van de Laar