Zelena by Scott Jonathan Dinsfriend

Zelena By Scott Jonathan Dinsfriend

Duration: 5 minutes 15 seconds
Grade Level: 4

Zelena (for String Orchestra) is the product of an “Integrated Pedagogy” process initiated by the University of Oregon string pedagogy department and composition program, wherein I was paired with an advanced string orchestra (Whiteaker Middle School in Keizer, OR). The composition was presented at the Oregon Music Education Association Convention, in Eugene, Oregon (January 2020). I had the opportunity to collaborate with the players and their director, Mac Mayer during the process of composition. Before I started composing, I met with the members of the Whiteaker Advanced Orchestra and they shared specific elements they desired in this new piece. I was able to work with these very eclectic ideas as inspiration for the composition. Some of the students’ phrases included, “movie soundtrack (film score), fugal counterpoint, slow and contemplative, fast and energetic (rhythmic), emotionally engaging, lyrical, intense…” Their wish list had several contrasting features, and it was exhilarating to approach the composition process by seeking to fulfill the students’ diverse musical visions. In many ways, the heterogeneous elements combining into one piece symbolizes the beauty of this diverse group of students coming together as one orchestra, as a unified group of young artists.

The piece begins with a contemplative, lyrical section with lush major-seventh harmonies (the calming, descending thirds under the melody transform into the motoric material in the faster section). The neo-Romantic introduction then turns to a transitionary five- voice canon that leads to the motoric, energetic section that takes the players on an exciting journey through multiple Dorian modes and propulsive rhythms. The initial theme subtly returns in this rhythmic context, syncopated and flowing over the unrelenting ostinato. The piece offers orchestra players the opportunity to engage in an emotionally stimulating narrative with sophisticated counterpoint, harmonic innovation, invigorating rhythmic energy, and intricate, communicative ensemble playing.

-S.J. Dinsfriend, composer