The motifs of the gigue

In the first measure, Bach introduces three motifs that will serve as the foundation for the gigue. We will refer to them as motifs a (blue), b (red), and c (green). Motifs b and c are based on the first part of motif a:

• Sub-motif a₁, transformed by augmentation and inversion, generates sub-motif b₁ and motif c.
• Sub-motif b₃ is similar to sub-motif a₁.

Motif a

Sub-motif a₁ is transformed by inversion in the first few measures of Part B. Sub-motif a₂ retains its original form.

Motif b

• In measure 2, we find sub-motifs b₂ and b₃.
• In measure 3, sub-motif b₂ is repeated.
• In measure 4, sub-motifs b₁ and b₃ appear.
• In measures 13 and 15, Bach freely inverts sub-motif b₂.

Motif c

• It reappears in measure 2.
• Varied in measure 3.
• Inverted and varied in measures 12 and 16.