Pifa (Pastoral Symphony), from The Messiah (string quartet)

Title: Pifa (Pastoral Symphony), from the oratorio Messiah

Composer: G. F. Handel, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Violin 1; Violin 2; Viola; Cello

Printout: 4 pages

Note: In Handel’s Messiah, the Pifa evokes an image of the shepherds “keeping watch o’er their flocks by night.” It is a perfect selection for Christmas Eve services.

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Other selections from Handel’s Messiah:

He Shall Feed His Flock
O! Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion