Part II Parting — March Tempo; Agitato
“War has broken out, and the lover must take his departure.” As from a distance, the march is heard, at first softly; it increases in volume and emphasis, coming nearer and nearer. There is an interruption (Agitato), “which graphically depicts the parting of the lovers [an impassioned dialogue between violins and ’cellos] and Lenore’s grief and despair.” The march is resumed, gradually diminishes, and dies away in the distance.