The theme of this set of variations is taken from an opera by Salieri (1750-1825), a contemporary of Mozart, and was composed in Vienna in 1773, the year after the original opera.

The theme consists of an 8-bar first half and an 8-bar second half. All variations are written in G major, the same key as the theme, and employ the technique of rhythmic variation. Specifically, the method involves subdividing the note values of the theme, which is marked 'Menuetto' and Andante, but it becomes Adagio in the fifth variation, the second to last. After being subdivided into 32nd notes in this fifth variation, the piece concludes spiritedly with an Allegretto.