This work, which immediately preceded the first of the symphonic poems was written as a homage to an artist and friend of the composer, Henri Regnault, who was killed in the Franco-Prussian war. However, it is not a mournful piece. A few bars of introduction hint at the main theme, which is immediately introduced in a brisk marching pace and elaborated, raising to a first climax. This subsides and the tempo slows down. The horns bring about a reminiscent mood. Remembrance and nobility are the predominant feelings in this central section, which fades away to allow for the return of the heroic opening theme in a section that brings to mind an Elgarian splendor. The coda hastens the pace to the brilliant ending.

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