Commissioned by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chubu Band, Saariselkä is a village in a mountainous area of northern Finland, famous for its northern lights (aurora). This tone poem captures the romantic beauty of a nearby forest.

The beginning depicts an intense cold world. A beautiful horn melody, woodwind solos and sparkling glockenspiel arpeggios render a vivid impression. A quick tutti climax introduces fast action underscoring the image of the frigid weather as well as the effects of a severe blizzard and violent wind. As the musical drive intensifies, a resounding brass fanfare shifts the pace to the middle section.

A lush, romantic interlude reveals the grandeur of the northern lights floating in the tranquil sky. The alluring melody suggests the haunting beauty of Sibelius'Finlandia. Then enters a rollicking 6/8 recapitulation that ultimately combines all of the central themes into a grand tutti conclusion.

(Hiroki Takahashi)