Brahms got it a bit wrong: The theme (an old tune named the "Saint Anthony Chorale") is not actually by Haydn, but was used him. Whatever its parentage, this march-like tune, dignified but with a twinlke in its eye, is an outstanding basis for variations. After the opening statement of the theme, there are nine variations, easily distinguished by the listener, who will be amused and impressed by the variety of variations procedures Brahms uses to give each one is special mood—whether romantic, athletic, or what have you. Finally, the last section gets more passionate as Brahms uses the original theme as a bass line and works out mini-variations over it. At the end, the original theme comes back in a grand statement employing full brass.

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