The cantata is written for the four solo voices, chorus, and orchestra. It opens after a short allegro movement with a full jubilant chorus ("Your thankful Songs upraise"), the solo quartet joining in the middle part with chorus. The second number is a very expressive recitative and aria for tenor ("Happy Nation, still receiving"). The third is characterized by quiet beauty, and is very devotional in spirit. It begins with a soprano recitative and aria ("Yet not alone of Labor comes our Plenty"), leading up to a second recitative and aria ("The gracious Father hears us when we call"), which are very vivacious in style, closing with a tenor recitative ("The Air is mild and clear and grateful to the Reapers"). These prepare the way for a short but very powerful chorus ("Woe! see the Storm-Clouds"). In the next number ("How fearful are the Terrors Nature brings") the bass voice moralizes on the powers of Nature, followed by a plaintive strain for two sopranos, which leads up to a majestic prayer for chorus ("Lord Almighty, full of Mercy"). A bass recitative ("Lo, once our Prayer") introduces a beautiful quartet and chorus of thanksgiving ("Wreathe into Garlands the Gold of the Harvest"). They are followed by a tenor recitative and soprano solo ("Soon noble Fruit by Toil was won"), and the work comes to a close with a stately chorus of praise ("Father, reigning in Thy Glory"). Kampf und Sieg. In June, 1815, Weber arrived in Munich and during his stay made the acquaintance of Fraulein Wohlbrück, the singer, which led to an introduction to her father, who was both an actor and a poet. On the very day that he met Wohlbrück, the news came to Munich of the victory of the Allies at Waterloo, the whole city was decorated and illuminated, and a great crowd, Weber with them, went to St. Michael's Church to listen to a Te Deum. While there the idea of a grand cantata in commemoration of the victory came into his mind. On his return home he met Wohlbrück and communicated his purpose to him. The enthusiastic poet agreed to furnish the words. About the first of August the text was placed in Weber's hands, and he at once set it to music. It was first produced on the 22d of December at Prague, and made a profound impression by its stirring military character and vivid battle-descriptions.