Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) wrote this short solo piano piece while she was studying at the Villa Medici in Rome after winning the Prix de Rome in 1913 for her cantata, "Faust et Helene." Lili's stay at the Villa Medici was a part of her prize for winning the competition. The study at this music school was a productive time for Lili, even though WWI cut her allotted two-year study period short, and she was not able to finish her studies there. "D'un Jardin Clair" ("Of a Bright Garden") was written in 1914, along with its companion piece, "D'un Vieux Jardin" ("Of an Old Garden"), which is also written for solo piano. There is also another piece, written for violin and piano, called "Cortege," also written in 1914, which could be considered a part of this trio of short works. When speaking of all these three pieces of Lili Boulanger's, they are collectively and aptly called, "Trois Morceaux" ("Three Pieces").

"D'un Jardin Clair," dedicated to Ninette Salles, is in the key of B major. The first four measures portray the melodic line. This piece, lasting only about two-and-one-half minutes, is monothematic, and fragments of the theme are presented throughout the rest of the piece. It is in the Impressionistic style, and vertical fourths and fifths are utilized. It is a quiet piece, as one might expect of a painting of a peaceful garden. Although the melody does reach high notes that are mezzo-forte, most of this piece is comprised of full, soft chords in the accompaniment, and is reminiscent of Erik Satie (1866-1925). The piece ends on very low, quiet notes in the bass line. Lili Boulanger tends to end many of her pieces on soft chords, and this is no exception. The piece, as a whole, is of a happy—although, not joyous—nature. It speaks of peace-of-mind, contentment, beauty and relaxation. The piece is a tone-painting, most likely of gardens of Lili's childhood in Hanneucourt.

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