The Nokia tune (also called Grande Valse on old Nokia mobile phones) is a phrase from a composition for solo guitar, Gran Vals, by the Spanish classical guitarist and composer Francisco Tárrega, written in 1902.
In the key of A and in 3/4 time (waltz). The note interval pattern and rhythm is repeated in each bar, and the start note of each bar is a 3rd below the last phrase, which creates an overall descending arpeggio scale. However the 4 notes in each bar consist of 2 descending note of a semitone followed by 2 ascending notes of a semitone. The interval between the start note of each group of two is a 7th below. The whole sequence starts and ends on the tonic note (A) which creates a perfect cadence.
The flowing, repetitive nature of this phrase is probably the reason it was chosen to be the first ring tone for the Nokia handset in 1994, not straying too far from the repetitive ring-ring of the common telephone. The phrase is also perfect played on a loop as it finishes and begins on the same note although an octave apart. The simple pattern and "dance" time signature as well as the note sequence is all very pleasing to the ear and would go some way to making this phrase both likeable and memorable.
The original hand written copy of the score. In B flat Major written in common time (4/4) with a change to 6/4 for the last two bars. Only 9 bars long set at marziale (March music or music with a military feeling). Baring that in mind the choice of instrumentation is very much as you would expect from a military band: