The Concerto pastorale in G Major is influenced by Molter’s two visits to Italy.
On the manuscript, he signs his name in Italian (“Giovanni Marchio Molter”).
The use of a pastorale-style opening movement evokes the Italian tradition of dotted 6/8 rhythms associated with shepherds or pastoral scenes (for example, Corelli’sChristmas Concerto)1
Sources
Michael Talbot, “Concertos for Christmas,” liner notes to Christmas Concertos, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Archiv 435262-2, CD, 1991.