This is a prelude where improvisation is crucial. While many ornaments are to be played improvisationally, the question then becomes what tempo should be maintained.

In the first beat of bar 4, a G-sharp appears, which is natural as it is the leading tone of A minor. However, a G natural suddenly appears on the second beat. While this is intended to lead to G major, considering the ornaments and such abrupt modulations (which can also be viewed as a harmonic sequence), it is indeed considered that the piece should proceed at an Adagio tempo.

The highest notes in this piece are the F in the fourth beat of bar 2 and the F in the first beat of bar 7. Bars 1-3 present the A minor theme, followed by a descending sequence in bars 4-5. Therefore, gradually decrease the volume, then from bar 6, ascend sharply, reaching the F in the first beat of bar 7 with a crescendo.

In that sense, the F in bar 7 has a higher tension than the F in bar 2.

Once the F in bar 7 is reached, gradually diminish from there, and conclude solemnly with a Picardy third.