This programmatic work depicts the Civil War battle between the ironclad ships Merrimack and Monitor. The foreboding introduction by way of percussion and brass signifies the initial meeting of the two titans. The music suddenly assumes an intense, quick tempo, engaging various styles and volumes to represent the ferocity of the vessels in combat. Tonal dissonance and a flurry of percussion colors are used as well to symbolize the fury of battle and the rigid determination of both ships.