The first EU songbook includes 6 compositions from Luxembourg
Kenny Eliason, Unsplash
The recently published first edition of the EU Songbook includes six songs from Luxembourg, reflecting the country's cultural heritage. This project, created with the participation of 27 EU countries, has collected 164 songs in 25 languages and celebrates the richness of the European musical tradition;
All songs are presented in six categories, ranging from compositions about freedom and nature to children's songs and spiritual music. Each is accompanied by information about the history of the songs, their authors, and QR codes leading to the original recordings. A translation of the songs into "singable" English has also been added, making them available for performance at pan-European events, including Europe Day, which is celebrated on 9 May.
Songs from Luxembourg
- The Feierwon
Michel Lentz (1820-93) wrote one of Luxembourg's "unofficial" national songs. When the first railways were built, the country suffered from a lack of infrastructure and industry, leading 35% of the population to emigrate. With the advent of the railways, Luxembourg became more accessible and people were proud of this progress. Lentz expressed this by saying, "Wherever you come from, we can proudly show you the beauties of this small country" and added: "We want to stay as we are and be happy about it!"
- Hey du
Hey du is a popular love song by the Luxembourg rock band Cool Feet, founded in 1968. The band originally sang in English, but began releasing songs exclusively in Luxembourgish in 1980. Hey du topped the music charts in the 1980s and became a real hit.
- D'Margréitchen
The music for this song was composed by Laurent Menager (1835-1902), a choirmaster, organist and conductor who founded the national choral association Sang a Klang in 1857. The song is based on a poem by Michel Lenz (1820-93), the author of the text of Luxembourg's national anthem. First published in 1883, at a time when many families were struggling to make ends meet, the song celebrates the beauty of a simple flower, the daisy.
- Tartlet, Tartlet
The lyrics of this song, written by Willy Goergen (1867-1942), extol the virtues and unique qualities of Luxembourg wines from the Mosel region. One hundred years later, the song is still played at almost every wine festival and harvest festival in the country.
- Mamm, léif Mamm do uewen
It was originally a poem that later became a song called "Ons Himmelsmamm" ("Our Heavenly Mother"), dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. At the end of the nineteenth century, this song was sung as the closing hymn at every church service in honour of Our Lady. At times when Luxembourg's independence was threatened, it was also sung as a symbol of patriotism.
- Léiwe Kleeschen
The poem by Willy Goergen (1867-1942) was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children and Luxembourg's analogue of Father Christmas. Its melody was composed by the twelve-year-old Pippi Beicht (1907-76), who grew up in a family of musicians and composers. It is probably the best known and most frequently performed Luxembourg song of all time.
The EU Songbook, also available as a mobile app, provides users with links to videos, author biographies and historical background, making it a unique archive of Europe's musical heritage.
