The work begins with a two-part canon and concludes with a brilliant cadenza spanning 13 measures (approximately two full pages). The theme consists of eighth notes in its first half and steadily progressing sixteenth notes in its latter half, and the entire piece is developed through motives derived from the theme. Tonal adventures are evident throughout, particularly in the concluding section, where a sequential progression traverses the circle of fifths.

This piece is currently regarded as spurious. The basis for this judgment is stylistic, citing awkwardness in counterpoint and modulation, an unplayable pedal part, and a somewhat abrupt figuration in the concluding section. However, it has been transmitted through a great number of manuscript copies, and there is no doubt that it originated in circles close to Bach and was passed down through practical performance.