Richard Strauss

Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare

The first Vienna Philharmonic Ball was held in 1924, and set precedents which the ball committee has maintained to this day. Richard Strauss, who collaborated artistically with the orchestra for many years, composed a festive fanfare for the first ball in 1924. This "Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare" has been performed at every ball since that time and is played when the honored guests, such as the "Matron of the Ball", arrive at the event. The "Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare" was originally scored for 6 Trumpets, 8 Horns, 6 Trombones, 2 Tubas and 2 Timpani. French arranger Bruno Peterschmitt arranged the piece now for a smaller, more suitable Brass Ensemble.