The chief theme, which is typical of the hero, the whole and noble man,
is announced at once by horn, violas and violoncellos, and the violins
soon enter. This theme, E flat major, 4-4, is said to contain within
itself four distinct motives, which collectively illustrate the will
power and self-confidence of the hero, and their characteristic features
are used throughout the work in this sense. Further themes closely
related follow. They portray various sides of the hero’s character—his
pride, emotional nature, iron will, richness of imagination, “inflexible
and well-directed determination instead of low-spirited and sullen
obstinacy,” etc. This section closes with pomp and brilliance, with the
motive thundered out by the brass; and it is the most symphonic section
of the tone poem. “A pause is made on a dominant seventh: ‘What has the
world in store for the young dreamer?’”