This solemnly brilliant opening fanfare is based on themes and motifs from the 3rd symphony (Rheinische) by Robert Schumann (1810-1856).
When Schumann was appointed municipal music director in Düsseldorf in 1850 after working in Leipzig and Dresden, the people there were very kind to him there: the orchestra and choir had rehearsed some of his pieces.

There was a ball and a souper especially for him.
The enthusiasm of the Rhinelander infected Schumann and he composed his own alongside many other new works
3rd symphony in E flat major. It is rightly called the "Rheinische"; because the description of Rhenish life and Rhenish cheerfulness are expressed here.

Robert Kuckertz combined the main theme of the 1st movement and other motifs of the symphony with festive fanfare sounds and thus created a sophisticated overture in a free manner.