Handel: Sinfonie Pastoral (Pastoral Symphony) (Pifa) from The Messiah (Der Messias) - flute trio

This well known piece of music from Handel's Messiah is a musical interlude before the "Christmas Part" begins.

This arrangement is based on Mozart's arrangement of The Messiah, which he titled Der Messias.

A short and unaffected little piece of music in 12-8 time, serving to introduce the scene of the 'Shepherds abiding in the field.' Handel more than any other great composer was accustomed to 'prendre son bien partout où il le trouvait,' and mostly without acknowledgment. In the present instance he has affixed the word 'Pifa' to this movement, more probably to indicate the reason for inserting it than to show that it was not his own composition, a matter which probably did not occupy his thoughts in the least. 

Arranged for flute trio: 2 flutes and alto.

(Alternative 3rd flute part for alto.)