Reflections on the Death of the Beloved (2008) for symphonic band is dedicated to the St. Olaf Band and Timothy Mahr. It was commissioned by the St. Olaf Band with help from the Miles "Mity" Johnson Endowment.

Note by the composer: 

This piece began as something very different, and far less personal.

In October 2007 I began writing a new work for symphonic band. At that time I planned to write two movements for band inspired by Norse mythology. One would be a meditation on the tragic story of Balder, and I immediately began sketches on a deep lament for the brass choir.

Over the past several years, six young people who were part of my community died before their time. They were lost to accidents, crime, disease, and war. Two passed immediately after I began work on this piece. As I reflected, the lament took on new meaning, and the music took new directions.

When it came time to name my work, I tried to think of titles that would hide or soften the serious and personal thoughts that informed the composition. But nothing but Reflections on the Death of the Beloved seemed honest.

It is painful when lives are lost to tragedy, especially when those lives are young. They have gone on to realms unknown and we cannot yet follow. But we remember, and we love, in whatever ways we can.


Reflections on the Death of the Beloved

Matthew Peterson (b. 1984) writes music that explores frontiers of sound and expression. He has composed over sixty works commissioned and performed by orchestras, choirs, opera companies, chamber ensembles, and soloists around the world. He lives in Dalarna, Sweden.

Reflections on the Death of the Beloved

composer Matthew Peterson