Nadia Boulanger and Her World

Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979) was a prominent twentieth-century musician who studied with Boulanger in Paris or Fontainebleau. She was a composer, performer, conductor, impresario, and teacher who engaged in a vast array of activities in various media. This volume explores her work in composition, musical analysis, and pedagogy and considers the geographies of transatlantic and international exchange and disruption within which her career unfolded.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 19 November 2020
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Nadia Boulanger, a name that reverberates through the annals of twentieth-century music, stands as one of the most iconic figures of her era, undoubtedly among the most prominent musicians of her time. For countless composers, particularly those hailing from the United States, the opportunity to study under the guidance of Boulanger in the enchanting cities of Paris and Fontainebleau proved to be a transformative moment in their artistic journeys.

Boulanger, a multifaceted individual, was a composer, performer, conductor, impresario, and an inspiring teacher. Her extensive repertoire encompassed a wide array of activities, spanning from private composition lessons and lecture-recitals to radio broadcasts, recordings, and public performances. However, the true essence of Boulanger's impact on the music world remains a subject of ongoing debate and exploration.

Nadia Boulanger and Her World, a captivating volume, transports us from a time when the realm of music was largely inaccessible to women to the era when the doors of opportunity were gradually opening up. Contributors delve into the depths of Boulanger's work, examining her contributions to composition, musical analysis, and pedagogy. They also explore the intricate geographies of transatlantic and international exchange and disruption that shaped her career.

At the heart of this volume lies the central question: What worlds did Nadia Boulanger belong to, and in what sense can we consider any of them to be hers? The contributors offer insightful perspectives, shedding light on the various contexts in which Boulanger operated and the profound influence she exerted on the musical landscape. Through their scholarly analysis and thoughtful contributions, this volume serves as a valuable exploration of the life and legacy of Nadia Boulanger, a composer whose impact continues to resonate and inspire generations of musicians and music enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226750712