While we do not know the reception to Mein junges Leben in the 17^th century, it has been recognized as a masterpiece of the variation form since its first publication in 1894. Sweelinck composed six variations on the tune of Mein junges Leben, a German Kirchenlied, or "Churchsong," from the large body of vernacular hymns that flourished during and after the German Reformation. Since it was not known in the Low Countries, the melody of Mein junges Leben may have been introduced to Sweelinck by one of his German pupils.

The strict four-part counterpoint employed by Sweelinck in Mein junges Leben almost suggests the work was a reduction of part music originally set for instruments. This is not implausible, since we know that Sweelinck directed a consort of viols, and that most of his vocal compositions were intended for the collegium musicum of amateur singers and instrumentalists.

All six of Sweelink's variations are included in this transcription of Mein junges Leben, which sounds luscious on a consort of large recorders (TBGbCb) as well as a Viola da Gamba consort.

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