The strings begin this overture with a comically sidling, somewhat sneaky theme in moderate tempo. It is punctuated by loud chords complete with cymbal crashes from the full orchestra. Eventually the lower strings and winds come in with a tune of their own in counterpoint to the opening material, and loud sustained tutti chords precipitate the opening theme to raise its dynamic level. Fanfares in the full orchestra abruptly change the tone, briefly to one of melodrama, then to that of an abandoned joyous galop. Flutes come forward with an easygoing theme in moderate tempo that has a naive, childlike quality, after which the galop takes over again and takes us out in high spirits.

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