Catherine Urner (1891-1942) and Charles Koechlin (1867-1950): A Musical Affaire [Hardcover]

Barbara Urner Johnson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0754633314 | ISBN-13: 978-0754633310 | Publication Date: September 2003

Catherine Urner was the favourite American pupil of the French composer Charles Koechlin. Their correspondence which spanned over two decades is the basis for this biography of Urner - a story of love, courage and devotion. These letters also shed light on the music scene in Paris and California in the 1920s and 1930s; moreover they provide a unique perspective on the artistic struggle of a woman composer in America at that time. Catherine Urner journeyed to Paris to study with Charles Koechlin after winning a prize for several years study of music abroad. She studied with him from 1919-1921, when she returned to America and was appointed director of vocal music at Mills College. She continued to compose and give vocal recitals throughout California. She made several more trips to Paris where her first string quartet premiered at Salle Playel in 1925. Urner arranged for Koechlin to come to the United States to teach a summer course in music at the University of California/Berkeley in 1928, and during this time their affair became more intense and Koechlin persuaded her to return to France with him. Catherine lived with the Koechlin family until 1933. Koechlin harmonized many of Catherine's melodies and they collaborated on a symphonic poem, "The Bride of a God". The strain of the relationship between Catherine and Charles on the Koechlin family became too great and Catherine returned permanently to the US. In 1937 she married her friend and pupil, the organist Charles Shatto, though this happy union ended in tragedy.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: Ashgate Pub Ltd (September 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0754633314
• ISBN-13: 978-0754633310
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,549,124 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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