Composed in Amsterdam in 1766, the Air (theme) of this set of variations is currently the national anthem of the Netherlands.

The theme has an "a-b-a" phrase structure, with each section comprising six measures. Furthermore, all variations are written in D major and 2/2 time, like the theme, employing the technique of rhythmic variation. In addition, from the third to the fifth variation, interplay between the left and right hands and canonic techniques are employed in this set of variations. The tempo is primarily Allegro, becoming Adagio in the fifth variation.