This set of variations is based on a beautiful hymn composed by Nielsen that is sung during the Christmas season. The title Forunderligt at Sige" translates roughly to "Strange to Say" or perhaps "Wonderful to Say." Several rhythmic and harmonically different variations make this an exciting piece to play and to listen to. Variations on a Theme by Carl Nielsen is composed by Carmen Gassi for clarinet quartet (3 clarinets plus bass clarinet).