<P> The three - part structure of the work approximates to that of Handel 's three - act operas , with the `` parts '' subdivided by Jennens into `` scenes '' . Each scene is a collection of individual numbers or `` movements '' which take the form of recitatives , arias and choruses . There are two instrumental numbers , the opening Sinfony in the style of a French overture , and the pastoral Pifa , often called the `` pastoral symphony '' , at the mid-point of Part I . </P>
<P> The three - part structure of the work approximates to that of Handel 's three - act operas , with the `` parts '' subdivided by Jennens into `` scenes '' . Each scene is a collection of individual numbers or `` movements '' which take the form of recitatives , arias and choruses . There are two instrumental numbers , the opening Sinfony in the style of a French overture , and the pastoral Pifa , often called the `` pastoral symphony '' , at the mid-point of Part I . </P>
messiah opens with an instrumental number in the form of a ( n )
messiah opens with an instrumental number in the form of a ( n )
French overture
French overture