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The Hippocampi

by Jennie Rhodes

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Duration
1'30''
Publisher
Jennie Rhodes Music
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About this piece

A short piece for later-beginner players about the hippocampi of Greek mythology, the half-horse, half-fish creatures that pulled Poseidon's chariot. The A sections have a rocking ocean accompaniment and the B section depicts hooves on dry land. For cello, the composer lists second/third finger placement, one shift and long slur patterns as its teaching goals.

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Level rubric

Late Beginner

Left Hand

  • Mostly 1st position with small extensions.
  • Early shifting to 2nd/3rd positions.
  • Controlled vibrato on sustained notes.

Right Hand

  • Expanded bow technique for faster passages & wider dynamics.
  • Longer slurs (3–4 notes).
  • Hooked bowing for dotted rhythms.
  • Practice basic martelé accents.
  • Increase speed in string crossings with minimal arm movement.

Bow Strokes

  • Standard détaché; add staccato, martelé, short slurs, hooked strokes.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Incorporate dotted figures, compound meters (6/8), triplets & syncopation.
  • Develop subdivision sense; introduce rubato in small measures.
  • Slightly longer phrases.
  • Introduce basic dynamic shading.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.