Michael Hopkins

Mysterious Forces

Mysterious Forces, by Michael Hopkins, is a fast and rhythmically energetic piece in E minor for intermediate orchestra. All sections of the orchestra are featured on melodic material. Violin, viola, and cello parts are playable in first position. Double basses have a few shifts to half, 2nd, and 3rd positions. Cellos have a few extensions to B-flat on the A string, and violins and violas have a few spots with low 1st finger and high 3rd finger. This is a great piece to work on articulations and bow speed. The melody features the slur 2-separate 2 bowing. The music features both short staccato bow strokes and longer legato bow strokes, and it features lots of dynamic contrasts and opportunities for learning about phrasing and shaping musical lines. (4:10)