This is an arrangement of Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries with 8 solo and 8 mass choir parts, as well as an “optional [9th] part for novice players in massed choirs“. The idea is to have 8 horns play all the complicated material (the opening runs and trills, and the characteristic dotted octave leaps as featured in the original horn parts. The rest of the available players (at least 8 are requested, but it could easily be re-arranged for a few less) play the famous theme (tuba, trombones plus extra horns in the original, and other instruments as the piece progresses).
As was to be expected, even with 16+ horns Ride of the Valkyries is vedry difficult to play. The key chosen (F minor / major, sounding B flat minor / major) results in many c3’s in almost all the high parts, and the four flats in the key at the beginning don’t make life much easier. Also, the idea to have 8 or more horns play the theme rhythmically correct and in tune is perhaps a bit ambitious. Nevertheless – it’s one great piece, and if all that is wanted is to have a blast, then this is absolutely the arrangement to go for.