Jerker Johansson has lived in Gothenburg, on the Swedish West Coast, since 1984, and is deeply interested in the history of the country. Gothia is the most southern part of Sweden, and Gothenburg, which was founded in 1621, is since many years an important centre for trade and shipping. Old paintings of the harbour with its gigantic sailing ships gave impulse to the heroic character of the piece.
The opening fanfare is followed by a lively allegro, which eventually leads to a calm section, containing reminiscences of the fanfare. The flutes introduce a cantabile theme, and a dance reminding of the Renaissance precede a recapitulation of the allegro theme. Gothia ends with the fanfare, the cantabile theme and the dancelike Renaissance music. Tales and Myths of Gothia was premiered on 8 September 2017 by Gothenburg Wind Orchestra conducted by Niklas Willén.