 The critic Andrew Lamb writes that "The Arcadians" is the best known of the works in which Talbot's greater technical expertise complemented the melodic talent of his collaborators such as Monckton.Lamb observes that Talbot was particularly skilled at writing ensembles and finales and that such numbers as the opening chorus, 'I like London', 'My Motter' and 'Half-past Two' "testify to Talbot's inventiveness and craftsmanship.