Prelude

The Prelude (Moderato, completed January 21, 1951) possesses a slow, dance-like character and an archaic, elegant style. In the middle section, the tempo abruptly drops to Adagio, modulating to a quiet and solemn E major, before returning to the opening musical idea. The concluding section features an A in the upper voice and an A♭ in the lowest voice, creating a mysterious impression that is neither clearly major nor minor.

Fugue

From the modal theme and expansive rhythmic sense of the Fugue (4 voices, Moderato con moto, completed January 22, 1951), contemporaries reportedly recalled a Russian vocal quality, particularly the extended folk songs. The character of this theme is carried over into the counter-subjects and episodes. Therefore, according to their opinion, this fugue is filled with Russian melodies throughout. The echoing contrapuntal texture of the stretto and the resulting sonorities are deeply evocative. Like the Prelude, the concluding section has an ambiguous modal quality, creating a unique sense of suspension.