The status of this particular piece is, however, disputed; it has been suggested that Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele (chorale and 12 variations), which survives as a copy made in 1716 by Heinrich Nikolaus Gerber,[1] JS Bach's pupil, should replace Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan.
The melodies Christus, der ist mein Leben and Herzlich tut mich verlangen date from the early 17th century, while the other two appeared during its second half and so are from Pachelbel's own time.
Variation 4 consists of rapid arpeggios distributed between hands and based on the harmonic structure of the original melody.
The next four variations all employ the original melody unadorned, accompanied by passages in shorter note values, sometimes engaging in imitative counterpoint.
Variation 1 is a three-part setting of the melody with the bass written out in short note values providing dynamic support to the upper voices.
In Variation 2 the melody is subject to diminution, fast ornamented passages moving against the bass line written out in longer note values.
Variation 1 features imitative counterpoint in three voices and an ornamented version of the chorale "Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan".
Pachelbel's sacred concerto Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan is based on the same melody and is also a series of variations.