1. Gavotte
2. Burlesque
3. Adagio espressivo
4. Finale

"Jan de Mulder" is an old Flemish folk-song, actually a bawdy one, but this piece explores the potential of the catchy tune, rather than attempting to reflect the words. The term "suite" is actually a misnomer in this case. Really it is a set of variations on a theme, coming off best if the variations are played one right after the other. A gavotte is a lively dance in 4/4 time, beginning on the third beat, so each phrase starts with two weaker beats, leading to a strong third beat. The original melody is already in that rhythm, so this is in fact serves as the presentation of the theme. The "Burlesque" is in this case a lively dance in compound meter (12/8), like a jig, but with a snappy, dotted rhythm. The "Adagio espressivo" features a heavily-elaborated version of the melody over a slow, chordal accompaniment. Many baroque arias are similar in effect, though this piece is more dramatic and romantic in character than those examples. The "Finale" works the melody into rapid, showy figurations, what one might term a toccata.

This edition is offered in the original D-minor key, but since low B-flat is quite important to the effect, especially in the Burlesque, we offer it here in E minor also, preserving the intended effect on C-compass instruments. This piece was published long ago in Belgium, but eventually went out of print. We thank Jos D'hollander for allowing us to make the work readily available once again. A few editorial suggestions have been added in [square brackets], with the approval of Jos and Geert D'hollander.

—The GCNA