to 2168: History exam

Initial letters of superfluous words in clues give nightingale, quail and cuckoo, specimens of AVIFAUNA (5) represented by FLUTE (43), OBOE (40) and TWO CLARINETS (27 18) in the SIXTH SYMPHONY (13 26D) of BEETHOVEN (14).  The symphony is known as the PASTORAL (1D/41, suggested by the puzzle’s title).
 
First prize Hugh Thomas, Ixworth, Suffolk
Runners-up Steve Reszetniak, Enfield, Middlesex;
P. Langdale, London N11