The gopak originated as a folk dance among Cossack dancers and is known as the National Dance of Ukraine. Also called "hopak," the corresponding exclamation "hop!" is said during a jump or as an expression of surprise, and is certainly apparent throughout this work. This fun setting features mallets and TD staccato notes much of the time, offset by LV passages and the many rung phrases ending in a thumb damp. The challenge is to religiously adhere to the alternating stopped and rung notes, all the while attending to the many dynamics ranging from sub P to sFz - and doing it all cleanly and at tempo. It is short, just under two minutes, so it will be a perfect choice for an encore! A terrific concert selection any time of the year!