Performance Record of J.S. Bach – Invention No. 12 in A Major, BWV 783

A performance record of Bach's Invention No. 12 (BWV 783), recorded in May 2025 by Reiji at age 9. This performance focuses on harmonic clarity using subtle pedal control and pitch sensitivity, with special attention to overtone balance and modulations. It reflects Reiji’s approach to poetic resonance within structural discipline.

Reiji's Observations

Since this piece contains many chords, I used the pedal to enrich the resonance. However, because the sound can easily become muddy or wavy, I made a conscious effort to play the tones in sections with large pitch deviations slightly softer across all registers, in order to approach just intonation.

The chord ratios based on the tonic are as follows. I judged that these approximations would allow the harmonies to lean toward just intonation without sounding unnatural:

• Tonic key A: 4:5:6
• First modulation (E): 12:15:18
• Second modulation (F♯ minor): approximately 10:13:16 (approximate values due to complexity)
• Third modulation (C♯ minor): 10:12:15
• Fourth modulation (D): approximately 1/3:13:16 (also approximate)

There may be parts that diverge from the stylistic conventions, but I aimed to preserve the poetic resonance hidden within Bach's structural beauty. Using the modern instrument of the piano, I tried to express the piece in my own way. I hope you can enjoy it as one possible interpretation.

* These are personal reflections by the performer.