The main key is E-flat major. It is in binary form.

• A [a (measures 1-4) + b (measures 5-8)]
• B [a1 (measures 9-12) + c (measures 13-16)]

As occasionally seen in J.S. Bach's works, the beginning of the phrase uses a church mode. Measure 1 is in Mixolydian mode with E-flat as the final (tonic), and measure 9 is in Mixolydian mode with B as the final (tonic). Consequently, in both measures, the seventh scale degree (subtonic) is lowered by a semitone, which creates a distinctive sound.

Measures 9-10 are a perfect fourth lower than measures 1-2, and sharing such a motif contributes to the overall unity of the piece. Regarding the overall phrase movement, the A section concludes with a half cadence, and the B section with a perfect authentic cadence, forming a paired structure.