The Long 19th Century of Music in Luxembourg. Music History, Sociology and Ethnology

Music historiography is multifaceted. The historiography of music in Luxembourg is divided into various aspects. Firstly, it is part of regional music research in Europe and, as far as Luxembourg is concerned, national music research. A first point of view is music ethnology: citizens, nations have their songs and pass them on orally across national and linguistic borders and over generations. Folksongs originate from the music of the people, and patriotic music in Luxembourg is often music based on folksong styles. A further aspect of music in Luxembourg is that art music originated since the independence of the Grand Duchy in the 19th century. Sociological considerations deal with community music in Luxembourg. The starting point is a more liberal constitution, which for the first time offered citizens the right of assembly. Finally, my lecture will offer some insights of musical activities of people who left their homeland.