They are jealous, they envy him, they sneer at his aims and endeavors,
they are suspicious of his sincerity, they see nothing except for their
own gain; and through flute and oboe they mock and snarl. They are
represented by about a half-a-dozen themes, of which one is most
important. Diminutions of the preceding heroic themes show their
belittlement of his greatness. (It has been said that Strauss thus
wished to paint the critics who had not been prudent enough to proclaim
him great.) “Fifths in the tubas show their earthly, sluggish nature.”
The hero’s theme appears in the minor; and his amazement, indignation,
and momentary confusion are expressed by “a timid, writhing figure.”
Finally the foes are shaken off.