Suomen armeijan marssi 1808 sodassa (anon.)

Ameriikan poijat Finnish Classics Series

Suomen Armeijan kunniamarssi is a Napoleanic era piece and is anonymous. We found it in several archives and it is a part of the “Kunniamarssit”collection played by Finnish military bands.

The Ameriikan poijat Finnish Classics Series presents brass band music of the era around Finnish independence, which has largely not played in more than a century. Manuscripts of his band music was found in national archives, libraries, and community band libraries from around Finland, especially Turku, Pori, Oulainen, Tampere, Mänttä, and Helsinki.. These compositions were coming from a wide range of Finnish cultural organizations from coast to coast and reflect an intense activity during that time. The primary promoters of Finnish community music activity were the Kansanvalistuusseura and the Työväen musiikkiliito, and several other groups. A main source for this repertoire is the military music archives. The scores were often published and then parts were drawn out by the local performing musicians by hand manuscript.

All titles have been edited to contain the following parts:

• Standard Finnish septet :  E-flat soprano cornet, B-flat cornet I, B-flat cornet II, E-flat alto, B-flat tenor , B-flat baritone, BB-tuba (concert pitch Bass Clef). Our wish is that brass players will try the conical brass instrumentation, but also welcome playing by mixed wind bands.

• Additional parts provided:  Part 1 in Bb, Part 1 in C, Part 2  in C, Part 3  in C, Part 4  in F, Part 5 in Bb treble, Part 6 in Bb treble, Part 7 in Bb treble (for bass clarinet). This should provide most parts for a standard concert band. Only limited percussion is included, but could be added ad lib.

Additional parts in other transpositions can be requested.

The Ameriikan poijat Finnish Classics Series is scored primarily for original Finnish brass septet: E flat Soprano Cornet, two B flat Cornets, an E flat Alto Horn, a B flat Tenor Horn, an Euphonium, and a Tuba. However, these sets also include alternate parts for flute (piccolo), clarinet, French horn, and tenor saxophone. The original seven parts can also be played by other instrumentalists who read those clefs and transpositions (tenor saxophone, bassoon, bass clarinet, etc.) While many of us in Ameriikan poijat have contributed arrangements to this series, it has been primarily of work of Tracey Gibbens, with editing by Russell Pesola and Paul Niemisto.

The Finnish brass septet (torviseitsikko in Finnish) has its roots in the late 19th century. The Finns that played in the army bands took their music and instruments home with them and formed brass bands in their home communities. These musicians had been trained in the army to play Russian, German, and authentic Finnish music. Many of them emigrated to America.

As the music developed in Finland over the years, the tango, cabaret music, and jazz added their influence to the Finnish septet arrangements. Traveling bands and recordings from other nations influenced the music of the brass septet--and also contributed to its eventual downfall. The septet tried to adapt to these new styles, but soon fell from popularity as jazz and the music of the accordion became more fashionable. By the end of the 1930's, the age of the torviseitsikko was over, and Finland was caught up in the jazz movement. In the 1990's, a revival of the brass septet began to place in Finland due to renewed interest in their own heritage during centennial years.

Ameriikan Poijat (Boys of America) is an ensemble of American brass players with an interest in Finnish heritage, playing traditional Finnish brass septet repertoire to American audiences and on international tours. Ameriikan Poijat had the honor to participate in events celebrating Finland's 75th Anniversary of independence in 1992, and has made four tours to Finland. Poijat is pleased to be representing North American Finns, reviving old traditions, and contributing to the appreciation Finnish music.