Philipp Fahrbach I was a well respected composer and conductor throughout his long career. He was a serious musician and did not restrict himself to dance music.

​

From an early age he worked with both Johann Strauss I and Joseph Lanner. He worked as a military bandmaster and had several

attempts to start a civilian orchestra. He is much underrated as a composer. His later music is very good indeed.

​

He was unfortunate in having to work in the shadow of the Strausses and Lanner. He missed his big chance after the death of

Johann Strauss I when, with Johann Strauss II out of favour with the court, he was asked to provide the music for the court balls. The charisma and popularity of Johann Strauss II made that unsustainable.