Programme Notes:

This work’s title is both a reference to Beethoven’s immortal beloved–whoever she may be–and the mythology associated with horses and their relationship with humanity. I sought in this music to programmatically depict the forging of an emotionally and spiritually-rich working partnership between the free-spirited animal and her rider.

Musically, I drew themes from Ludwig van Beethoven’s sixth symphony, the Pastorale, recontextualizing them as dramatic leitmotifs depicting the emotion states of wonderment, gritty determination, and elated joy, within a textural environment evoking epic vistas and the freedom of the open plains.

I was inspired by many things in the writing of this work–the real horses I’ve come to know and love, the mythology surrounding horses from Pegasus to Rosinante, and the solace I find in nature alongside my dog, especially during the extreme stresses of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The horse, both beautiful and powerful, encapsulates the potential for harmony between humanity and the rest of the natural world.

This work was the second composition of my Beethoven Episodes series, featuring short orchestral works to serve as preludes on programs that include Beethoven’s nine symphonies, in honor of his two hundred and fiftieth anniversary. I hope you find this little piece achieves its intended evocations!

About the Composer:

Benjamin Sajo (b. 1988) is a Canadian composer of contemporary classical music, as well as an educator. Since developing a fiercely independent creative voice upon the completion of his studies at Western (2010) and McGill Universities (2013), he continues to find inspiration from the intersection of mythology, art, and nature upon the contemporary human experience. In 2019, he released his premiere album of original music, The Great War Sextet: Canadian War Poetry with Trombone & Strings , with support from the Ontario Arts Council. He is a member of SOCAN and the League of Canadian Composers.