The tolling of bells and fluttering of strings is joined by the rapid beating of drums, percussive hum of a cello, and bellow of dramatic horns. The melody spirals into an increasing sense of chaos and urgency as it progresses, before breaking into a more subdued and lurking tone. The mood is frantic and desperate but with a sense of heroic resolve, suggesting a chaotic battle in the streets of a city, inspiring both fear and resistance from its inhabitants.