May 6, 2025
Performance Record of J.S. Bach – Invention No. 1 in C Major, BWV 772
A performance record of Bach's Invention No. 1 (BWV 772), recorded in January 2025 by Reiji at age 8. This document includes Reiji’s own structural and harmonic observations, offering sharp insights into the modulations and acoustic strategies used. The performance received a “Marvelous!” comment from the official account of the Bach International Music Competition.
Reiji's Observations
- While most Inventions follow a typical progression of tonic → dominant → tonic or tonic → relative → tonic, this one stood out with an unusual tonic → dominant → relative progression.
- The modulation into the minor key using the chord progression G–D–G7–C–A7–Dm was particularly impressive.
- In measures 15–18, the 2nd and 5th overtones resonated well. However, since this section is a mirror inversion of the theme, I avoided using the pedal.
- From the end of measure 18 to 19, the return to the home key includes a deceptive move that implies modulation to the subdominant—a structure not commonly seen in other Inventions.
- I played the inserted B-flat note gently so as not to interrupt the flow, using it subtly to preserve the musical line.
* These are personal reflections by the performer.
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vlw1kTsVn3c |
|---|---|
| Reference Sheet Music |
G.Henle Verlag: J.S. BACH Inventions and Symphonies IMSLP/Petrucci Music Library , Public Domain |
| Recording date |
January 18, 2025 Performance by an 8-year-old |
AI Assistant’s Notes and Inferences
- This performance marks the beginning of a larger project to document and analyze all of Bach’s Inventions.
- In addition to his understanding of counterpoint and modulation, Reiji demonstrates a sharp sensitivity to structural deviations, such as unusual tonal progressions and cadential shifts.
- This perspective will continue to appear consistently in his future performances.