Lüstner, Louis

Conductor, Violinist

born: 30.06.1840 in Breslau

died: 24.01.1918 in Wiesbaden

As the son of a musician, Lüstner received musical training at an early age in his home town of Breslau and worked from 1862 as first violinist, later as concertmaster and conductor at the city theater there. In 1870, he founded the Breslau Philharmonic Orchestra, which he also conducted until he was appointed Municipal Music Director at the Kurkapelle in Wiesbaden in 1874 on the advice of Joachim Raff and Hans von Bülow (1830-1894) as the successor to Karl Müller-Berghaus (1829-1907). Lüstner worked here until his retirement in 1905.

His artistic work focused on the twelve annual cycle concerts. With the participation of important guest performers such as Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Clara Schumann (1819-1896), Eugène d'Albert (1864-1932), Josef Joachim (1831-1907), Eugène Ysaye (1858-1931) and Lilli Lehmann, he earned himself and the orchestra a great reputation. Under his direction, compositions by Richard Wagner, Johannes Brahms and Joachim Raff were increasingly performed alongside classical works. In 1899, on the occasion of his 25th anniversary of service, he was awarded the title of Royal Music Director. Lüstner was also conductor of the Cäcilienverein from 1894-1903.

He had friendly relationships with many artists of his time, and personalities such as Landgrave Alexander von Hessen (1863-1945) and Queen Elisabeth of Romania(Carmen Sylva) were among his admirers.

Lüstner had to resign from his office in 1905 for health reasons. His urn was buried in the columbarium at the North Cemetery.