Zelo
composer: Nancy Galbraith (2003)
genre: youth string orchestra
length: 1 movement, 9:00 minutes
orchestration: vln1, vln2, vla, vcl, cb
publisher: Subito Music Publishing (ASCAP)
60 Depot Street, Verona, NJ 07044
mail@subitomusic.com • 973-857-3440
audio:

world premiere: 8 May 2004
Three Rivers Young Peoples OrchestraCharlotta Ross, music director
Carnegie Music Hall; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
program notes: "Zelo" was commissioned by the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras for its 30th Anniversay concert. It was written for TRYPO's Symphonette group (ages 7-14), but is also challenging and educational for most senior youth orchestras.
composer's note: "Zelo" for string orchestra was written with one idea in mind: to create a vigorous and energetic work that would celebrate thirty years of joyous and youthful music-making. The title, meaning 'zeal' or 'energy', is thus dedicated to the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras in honor of this celebrating season.
  The work is rhythmic throughout, with the exception of a brief lyrical theme in the development. Much use is made of techniques such as pizzicato, pizzicato glissandi, knocking, and tapping, which together, at one point, combine to form a predominately percussive texture.
  Following a fiery introduction, two main melodic/rhythmic themes dominate the work. The first is a melodic line that utilizes mixed meters, and is treated contrapuntally. It is introduced by the 1st violins and answered by the 2nd violins and violas, followed by the celli. The second theme is first stated as a unison line in the violins and violas, then expanded into open fifths. This theme is restated near the end, this time developing into a grander expression of the fiery introduction. "Zelo" thus concludes as it opened.
    —Nancy Galbraith
recording: T R Y P O
Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra
Charlotta Klein Ross, conductor
source: nancygalbraith.com