Little has been established about this engaging work. It is not mentioned in The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, which ordinarily provides a comprehensive listing of repertoire by all significant composers. As Kalman Bloch, former principal clarinetist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic for 46 years, observes, "There is great question as to whether Rossini actually composed this piece. It is thought that he wrote the tune and a student composed the variations. Nevertheless, it is one of the premier showpieces of its time: a popular tune followed by variations allowing the clarinetist to show off tremendous technique and charm. Our repertoire could stand a few more of these 'original' pieces." A graceful, operatic introduction makes the principal theme, once it appears, sound particularly light-hearted. Three successive variations are each a little more animated and a little more challenging for the soloist. A slow variation, in the minor key, follows, a moment of mock seriousness interrupting the humorous spirit. Before long, however, the upbeat character returns, in a final variation and coda that bring the soloist to the highest reaches of the clarinet register.