This set of variations on the well-known hymn tune Holy, holy, holy! comes from Philip Sparke's collection Classic Hymns, which contains 10 similar recital pieces with piano accompaniment. John Bacchus Dyke's famous tune Nicaea was written especially for Reginald Heber's renowned hymn of praise and became universally popular when it was included in Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861. Variants is in traditional air varie form with an introduction, theme and 3 variations.