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

This title was first published in 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.