9 movements:
I Statement: Slow
II Answer: Fast and firm
III Slow march: Not too slow
IV Scherzo: Fast
V Return: Not too slow
VI Allegretto: Lively
VII Solo: Mysteriously
VIII Second solo: Fast two
IX Chant: Very sustained
Richard Arnell's Music for Horns is a series of nine short pieces (about ten minutes in duration), attempting to present all of the capabilities of the horn quartet. The style is one of slight dissonance, and the resonant possibilities of the triad are thoroughly explored - perhaps a bit too much. Because the various movements are not unified thematically or otherwise, the performers who do not wish to play the whole set can select only the movements that appeal to them. Arnell's reliance on block chordal movement and a consequent neglect of counterpoint tend to pall, despite the brevity of the work; too many movements smack of the chorale arrangement and familiar style. The most difficult parts, as one might expect, are those for first and fourth horns, requiring agility of both players. Since the repertory for this grouping is limited, the work should find an audience, in spite of Arnell's failure to provide for much variety except in tempos.
From: Albert Seay, Notes, Second Series, Vol. 23, No. 3 (Mar., 1967), pp. 608-609