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Nadia Boulanger: Neoclassicism Pioneer and Opera Innovator

1/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979) was a pivotal teacher shaping neoclassicism.
She shifted focus after the deaths of sister Lili Boulanger and mentor Raoul Pugno.
Boulanger collaborated with Raoul Pugno on the opera La Ville Morte based on D’Annunzio's play.
The 1914 Paris premiere was canceled by World War I.
The work survives only as a vocal score and has been minimally orchestrated for a recording.

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Story summary

Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979) was a pivotal teacher shaping neoclassicism.
She shifted focus after the deaths of sister Lili Boulanger and mentor Raoul Pugno.
Boulanger collaborated with Raoul Pugno on the opera La Ville Morte based on D’Annunzio's play.
The 1914 Paris premiere was canceled by World War I.
The work survives only as a vocal score and has been minimally orchestrated for a recording.