Numerous so-called musicians’ houses still remain in Eßweiler. These buildings are reminders of a time when many of the town’s residents worked as traveling musicians.
Among the most famous musicians are Hubertus Kilian, who was appointed imperial Chinese military bandmaster in 1863, and Michael Gilcher, who was considered one of the best brass players in the region. Jakob Meisenheimer traveled to America in 1922 and played the violin, double bass, and clarinet in the Sarasani Circus. Rudolph Schmitt, on the other hand, made a name for himself in the United States as one of the most famous clarinetists.
The Kerwe festival on the second weekend in October is still a lively tradition today. In the past, musicians used to meet here for the so-called Musikantenkerwe, where new songs were written and presented.
In Eßweiler, there are old but fine musicians’ houses,
music on the tables, the sound draws you in.
Hubertus Kilian, bandleader so clear,
Imperial Chinese? His fame was there.
Michael Gilcher blows the piston with verve,
the musicians’ land sings, the sound remains young.
Jakob Meisenheimer sailed across the wide sea,
in 1922 to America, music remained faithful to him like a star so heavy.
Rudolph Schmitt, clarinet sounds so fine,
one of the stars, in the USA spotlight.
At the Kerwe on the second weekend in October,
the group played music without end.
