Boulanger: Faust et Hélène

Immerse yourself in the ethereal world of Lili Boulanger with this captivating choral album, released in 1999. Despite her tragically short life, Lili Boulanger left an indelible mark on the classical music scene, and this album showcases her extraordinary talent. At just 19 years old, Boulanger became the first woman to win the prestigious Prix de Rome for her cantata "Faust et Hélène," a piece that opens this album and demonstrates her profound musicality and compositional prowess.

This album features a selection of Boulanger's most renowned choral works, performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Neil MacKenzie. The program includes the dramatic "Faust et Hélène," the serene "Psaume 24. La terre appartient a l'Eternel," the introspective "D'un soir triste," the hopeful "D'un matin de printemps," and the deeply moving "Psaume 130. Du fond de l'abîme."

Each piece on this album is a testament to Boulanger's unique voice and her ability to convey a wide range of human experiences through her music. From the lush harmonies of "Faust et Hélène" to the stark beauty of "Psaume 130," this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Boulanger's choral compositions. With a duration of just over an hour, it's an excellent introduction to her work or a welcome addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.