Pastoral

Pieces in imitation of the music of shepherds. The characteristics are fast triple (3/8) or compound (6/8, 12/8) metre, Siciliana rhythm, moderate time (often siciliano and larghetto), tender, flowing, lilting melodies mainly in conjunct motion, notes flowing along in groups of threes, prominent use of parallel thirds, repetition, long-held drone bass on dominant or tonic. Oboes and F major are the most pastoral instrument and key, respectively.