Timo Forsström, b. 1961, began his career when he was only six years old; his first instrument was the accordion. Soon, his love of music led him to a disciplined musical training with the Hämeenlinna Army Band in Finland. Until 2012, he was the assistant conductor in The Guards Band. Today, he works as a composer and musician (horn) in the Helsinki Police Band.
He has achieved an excellent reputation among Finnish wind music composers. His musical works have clear and intuitive structures, with themes that are easy to hear. A big reason for the popularity of his music is due to the carefully considered orchestration that shows his vast experience with the tone color palette of a wind orchestra, and a desire to write meaningful parts for the individual musicians in the various sections.
"Sons of the Midnight Sun" was composed for The Band of The Finnish Defense Forces. It was premiered in 2012, in a concert at the world’s second largest military music festival, the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland. The composition was inspired by the legendary Viking society . . . an ancient Nordic summer, as the young men prepare to go to the battle under the midnight sun. The main theme imitates an old Viking song that the men are singing together. Thus, they promote their courage, fellowship, and faith in their cause before the battle.
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Northern Iowa Wind Symphony
Ronald Johnson, conductor
UNI Varsity Men's Glee Club
John Len Wiles, conductor
See the entire concert here: goo.gl/R8HKy5
Recorded on April 24, 2017 at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls. All rights reserved.