As the title suggests, this work is in bar form (AAB, with two Stollen and one Abgesang). In addition, each of the Stollen is a miniature variation form, while the Abgesang is another small-scale bar form. Each section of the variations, and indeed practically every segment, phrase, and even gesture of the work in some way reflect bar form.
Hans Sachs, was, of course, the real-life Meistersinger as well as the character in the Wagner opera. The art of the Meistersinger was to compose within their strict, albeit perhaps arbitrary system of rules, making composition as much sport as art. I hope to echo that here.
moon|east