

The Fanfare für die Wiener Philharmoniker was written in 1924 for the organization's first benefit ball, which raised money for the musician's pension fund. Held on March 4 of that year, the ball took place during the holiday called Fasching in German-speaking countries and known as Carnival or Mardi Gras in other countries.
The piece was played while honored guests, such as the Matron of the Ball, arrived at the event. The work has been played every year since at the Philharmonic's annual balls.