That composer Lili Boulanger died at age 24 is in itself a tragedy, but that the world missed out on music that this remarkable young woman might have written had she lived longer makes it even more so. Her legacy, composed between 1911 and her death in 1918, includes the score (Faust et Hélène) that won her the coveted Prix de Rome composition prize, the first woman ever to be awarded this honour.

Hearing it from French orchestra Les Siècles with their founding conductor, François-Xavier Roth, was a revelation. Performing on instruments of the period (something this orchestra does across Baroque, Classical, Romantic and modern eras) gave authentic depth of colour to the brooding timbres as the tableau scene with Faust, Mephistopheles and the beautiful Hélène unfolds. It’s utterly ravishing music, conducted with almost balletic gracefulness from Roth.

^{Pictures: Ryan Buchanan}

While tenor Julien Behr and soprano Véronique Gens were slightly lightweight against the full orchestra, including rare instruments such as the wonderful sarrusophone, their lyrical exposition was key to bringing the drama to life. Likewise, Stravinsky’s Rite Of Spring was dramatic all the way. Earthy, gripping, with visceral biting rhythms, it’s got to be a highlight of this year’s Festival.

Reviewed at Usher Hall as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.