For Bach, the key of E minor can be described as "monotonous joy." While E minor pieces in the Inventions, Sinfonias, and Toccatas often have rich textures and dramatic elements, the Fugue in E minor from Book 1 of the Well-Tempered Clavier is a two-voice fugue, the minimum number of voices, and the Prelude in E minor from Book 2 of the Well-Tempered Clavier, as well as the E minor English Suite, are rather monotonous. The fugue in the aforementioned Toccata is also built upon a simple theme.

This Prelude, too, progresses plainly with simple material. It is by no means convoluted, nor does it express deep sorrow like chromatic progressions; the music proceeds very dryly. Although it is in a minor key, it contains a certain "joy." Please play it with this feeling in mind.

Furthermore, the long trills appearing in the piece recall the style of the D minor Invention. In conclusion, the tempo should be played fast. For articulation, it would be good to play the eighth notes with a light staccato.