Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare Explained

The Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare Op. AV 109, also known as Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare, is a fanfare for brass instruments written by Richard Strauss.

The fanfare was written for the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra to be performed at a ball to mark their 40th anniversary on 4 March 1924.[1] It was the first benefit ball that had been held for the orchestra and was intended to raise money for the orchestra's pension fund.[2] It was played as honoured guests arrived at the ball.[2] The original manuscript of the piece is in the archives of the Vienna Philharmonic. It was dedicated by Strauss to the orchestra.[1] The piece is opus number AV 109 in Trenner and Ott's catalogue of Strauss's works.[1]

The piece was arranged by Hans Heinz Scholtys for the Trompeterchor der Stadt Wien for 10 trumpets, 6 trombones, 2 tubas and 3 timpani.[1]

It was played at the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla in May 2023 immediately after Charles's crowning.[3]

The musicologist Barbara Heninger described the piece as demonstrating Strauss's "affinity for striking brass textures" and "short but stirring".[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Votta, Michael. The Wind Band and its Repertoire: Two Decades of Research as published in the College Band Directors National Association Journal. Warner Bros. 2003. 0-7579-1833-6. 57169022. 48.
  2. Web site: Richard Strauss: Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare. https://web.archive.org/web/20221128115559/https://www.umwindorchestra.com/single-post/2012/10/01/richard-strauss-wiener-philharmoniker-fanfare. 28 November 2022. University of Maryland Wind Orchestra. 4 May 2023.
  3. Web site: The Authorised Liturgy for the Coronation Rite of His Majesty King Charles III. https://web.archive.org/web/20230504111037/https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-04/23-24132%20Coronation%20Liturgy%20Commentary.pdf. 4 May 2023. The Authorised Liturgy for the Coronation Rite of His Majesty King Charles III. Church of England. 4 May 2023.