Lou Koster

Lou Koster (1889-1973) was one of the first composers in the history of music in Luxembourg, and had to contend with prejudices much more than some of her colleagues in the more cosmopolitan European cities. Like many other artists, she was torn between local art and a cosmopolitan mixed culture.

With her operettas, male choirs, and other compositions in Luxembourgish, she was rooted in the regional music tradition. But with her German and French songs, and her orchestral drums, she sought to be heard by the international audience.

She distanced herself from the avant-garde because the audience and the democratization of music were close to her heart. This book is the first monograph on Lou Koster and highlights the largely unexplored history of music in Luxembourg.