Georges Sadeler

The old Fortress of Luxembourg

The Old Fortress of Luxembourg is a commissioned work by the Luxembourg Ministry of Culture for the overture of the official ceremony of Luxembourg's National Day. The piece is less concerned with history, but rather draws inspiration from the architecture of the ancient fortress of Luxembourg, known as "Lucilinburhuc." The fortress, over 1000 years old and also referred to as the "Gibraltar of the North," primarily consists today of the Bock Rock, the crypt, the casemates (an underground defense system consisting of kilometers of tunnels), and the Holy Spirit Citadel. These elements are portrayed through radiant fanfare sounds, rhythmic orchestral movements, patriotic choral melodies, and at times, somber musical depictions. As an optional highlight, a choir, supported by a boys' choir, interprets the newly composed text of the third verse of the Luxembourgish National Anthem, adding an additional touch of patriotic grandeur to this piece.