The solemn and expressive, recitative character of the melody is reminiscent of Bach's passion music. A direct relationship between the prelude and its fugue, while not readily apparent, is hinted in the long-held durations of the bass in the first ten measures. If one omits the bass pitches of measures 4-7, what remains of measures 1-10 are the pitches C-sharp, B-sharp, E, D-sharp, C-sharp of the fugue's subject. The prelude's most memorable motif is an ascending octave leap, which is heard throughout the piece