The mood of this fugue is optimistic, expressing joy. The sixteenth notes in measures 3-4 convey this joy. Therefore, when performing this fugue, if the tempo is too slow, to the point where the sixteenth notes are barely discernible as such, the intended joy will be lost, and the fugue will become merely heavy and persistent. Hence, careful consideration must be given to the tempo setting.

Next, regarding articulation, the mood will also change depending on how the articulation for the six eighth notes of the theme in measure 1 is executed.

Of course, one approach is to play the first five eighth notes entirely staccato, connecting only the last eighth note (C in measure 2, using the example from measures 1-2) to the subsequent sixteenth note. Alternatively, the possibility of playing all six eighth notes legato could be considered; however, given the desired lightness for the mood of the piece, this is not highly recommended.

• The first three eighth notes legato, the next two staccato, and the last one legato.
• The first four eighth notes staccato, the next two legato, and so forth.