The overture TELL SAGA tells a short story about the Swiss national hero, William Tell. It opens with a prayer in the chapel on the lake. The insurrectionists ask for the blessing and support of the Lord. The bells of freedom are heard ringing across the valley from afar. A typically Swiss song appears. Its long notes in the phrases are meant to create a becoming echo-effect. The noise of the revolting men that are now ready to fight are heard all over the mountains. A signal calls all men to assemble. Riders mount their horses, and the enemy’s armies are driven away.