Johannes Hanssen (1874–1967) was a tenor horn player in the Norwegian band Brigademusikken when his Valdres March was first performed at an outdoor concert in 1904. Apparently only two members of the audience applauded, and they were his best friends. Later the march achieved international fame, and was included on a recording by the Boston Symphony Orchestra entitled ‘The World’s Ten Best Marches’. From 1926 onwards, Hanssen was a lieutenant and director of Brigademusikken, although he also worked as an orchestral musician.