The
prelude is 75 measures long, and has two voices for the most part. Addition voices were added in the concluding measures for the sake of enriching the harmony.[1] This prelude has a punctuated rhythm, similar to the style of a
French overture. Bach also wrote out the ornaments himself.[2]
Fugue
The
fugue is 84 measures long and in the form of a gavotte.[1][2]
Remarks
This piece is the thirteenth piece in the The Well-Tempered Clavier, which divides the first and second half of the work. The prelude has a distinct Gallic flair; with its ornamentations and dotted rhythms, it reminisces of the
sixteenth variation of the 30
Goldberg Variations, which also divides the work in half, and is also in French style.[2]