Considering other A minor keys by Bach, it never possesses the profound seriousness of F minor, yet it is not optimistic either. I feel it is a key that conveys a sense of grandeur and dignity. Chromatic progressions do not appear in this fugue, so it does not have a convoluted character, but many diminished seventh arpeggios, as seen from measure 83 onwards, also appear, revealing a dramatic aspect.

The theme modulates to A minor, E minor, C major, G major, B minor, G minor, D minor, F major, and so forth. Furthermore, an inversion of the theme begins around measure 74.

Performers should vary the volume and timbre of the theme in each key to match the prevailing atmosphere, ensuring that no two themes sound identical. The final theme, in octaves, begins from measure 101, and this section can be treated as the point of highest tension.