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.
