CONCERNING the ' programme ' of the work the Composer, at the first performance, said to a friend: It is enough to know that there is a hero fighting his enemies.' A detailed analysis, however, has been published, with his consent and approval. Six scenes or incidents are clearly to be distinguished.
FIRST SCENE.—We have a portrait of the Hero, and some indication of his qualities-his pride, his imaginative nature, and his strength of will.
SECOND SCENE.—The Hero's Enemies (Woodwind) snapping and snarling as they flock round him.
THIRD SCENE.—The Hero's Helpmate. She is represented in her varying moods by a Solo Violin melody.
A trumpet call behind the scenes brings us to the-FOURTH SCENE.—The Battlefield. Here camo the toughest test for the sensitive ears of 1902. Note the powerful and persistent drum rhythm.
FIFTH SCENE.—The Hero's Works of Peace.
Here Strauss quotes largely from his own works.
SIXTH SCENE.—The Hero's Flight from the World, and Completion. After a moment of dejection, the Hero finds serenity and peace of mind—perhaps in a pastoral life, as the mood of the music seems to suggest.
He has to face one more storm, however, but it is brief.
The end comes in a great climax that rounds off the Hero's life-work in completeness of joy.