The cantata proper opens with a recitative by Fridolin ("Arising from the Lap of star-clad Night"), leading up to the quiet, dreamy air, "None but holy, lofty Thoughts." It is followed by a bass scena for Hubert ("Proceed thou, hateful Minion, on thy Path") which opens in an agitated manner, but grows more reposeful and tender in style as the subject changes in the passage, "For one kind Glance from out those Eyes divine." Again the scena changes and becomes vigorous in the recitative, "Dispelled by jealous Rage is Hope's fond Dream," set to an imposing accompaniment, and leading to a brilliant fiery allegro ("A thousand hideous Deaths I'd make him die"). The next number is a very graphic and spirited hunting-chorus ("Hark! the Morn awakes the Horn"), introduced and accompanied by the horns, and full of breezy, out-door feeling. A long dialogue follows between Hubert and the Count, somewhat gloomy in character, in which the former arouses his master's jealous suspicions. The gloom still further deepens as Hubert suggests the manner of Fridolin's death ("Mid yon gloomy Mountains"). Then follows the message to the forge by the Count in monotone phrases ("Mark, ye Serfs, your Lord's Commands") and the scene closes with a very dramatic duet ("Death and Destruction fall upon his Head"). In striking contrast with these stormy numbers comes the charming, graceful chorus of the handmaidens ("Calmly flow the equal Hours"), followed by a very expressive song for the Countess ("No Bliss can be so great"). A short scene in recitative leads up to a tender duet ("Above yon Sun, the Stars above") for Fridolin and the Countess, closing with a powerful quartet for the four principal parts ("Now know I, Hubert, thou speakest true").