Prelude

The Prelude (Allegro poco moderato, completed November 10, 1950) seems to possess an atmosphere reminiscent of Bach, who served as the model for this collection. The melody, played over a tonic bass, is elegant and delicate despite its frequent leaps. The piece gradually features more chromatic progressions, and just when it seems to reach a flat key, it abruptly returns to the tonic A major to conclude.

Fugue

The subject of the Fugue (3 voices, Allegretto, completed November 11, 1950) possesses restrained grace and simplicity. It is highly unusual and interesting for a fugue that all notes forming the subject are constituent notes of the tonic chord. This extends the harmonic rhythm of the entire piece and enhances its harmonic stability.