The overture begins with the declamatoric Hermann Theme that can be traced through the entire work. At B Hermann's war song which serves to motivate his troops is heard. Nine measures prior to D the basses introduce the simple melody of the soldier song of the Cheruscans. At D the trumpet fanfares form a transition into the "Moderato con moto", Thusnelda's and Arminius (Hermann's) love theme. After this the trumpets bring us back to reality again. At G the basses play the Cheruscan's War Song while, at the same time, the clarinets intonate the Song of the Romans. At H the Hermann Theme is reprised, leading into the great battle scene. The cavallery assaults at M and joins the infantry at N. In the fortissimo chords before O the two armies begin to battle. These chords not only symbolise the confrontation of the two armies, but also they signify a cry of pain in reaction to the irrationality of war. The last song, "Grave" brings back the themes of depression over war, death and destruction.