Andersen was a spectacular flautist who made his mark in Berlin in the 1880s and early 1890s. While the etudes remain his claim to fame, his rôle as a founding member of the Berlin Philharmonic and an important force during the orchestra’s early years must not be forgotten. One demonstration of the high regard accorded him was his selection as soloist for the orchestra’s inaugural concert on 17 October 1882. For that occasion, he chose Cesare Ciardi’s Le carnaval russe.

In addition to performing as principal flautist during the Philharmonic’s extraordinarily busy seasons (382 concerts during the 1890–91 season alone), Andersen served as an assistant conductor of the orchestra, beginning in 1885. These were glorious years, the height of Andersen’s career. An indefatigable musician, he maintained an incredibly demanding schedule, playing, conducting, teaching, composing.