Performance Record of J.S. Bach – Invention No. 15 in B Minor, BWV 786

A performance record of J.S. Bach’s Invention No. 15 in B Minor (BWV 786), recorded in February 2025 by Reiji at age 9. Reiji explores the surprising chord progressions that link the tonic to dominant and relative major keys in a way that echoes modern harmony. Particular focus is given to the tension created by dominant chords and the structural layering of voices. This performance demonstrates an acute sensitivity to harmonic development and voice independence.

Reiji's Observations

• When I first looked at the score, what caught my eye was how it moves from B minor to F♯ minor, then to D major, and even to A major. I thought, "Wow, this really travels!"
• Then I noticed the chords from the second half of measure 16 to 17—something like F♯m7 → Bm → B7 → Em → F♯7. It reminded me of progressions used in pop songs, and it ends up coming back to B minor! That was a surprise.
• This part uses a lot of dominant chords, so I tried to keep the tension going without letting it drop too early.
• The section from measure 8 to 11 also uses a bunch of dominants that lead to a cadence, so I focused on making the tension build up naturally, but also making the cadence feel settled and stable.
• Even though this is supposed to be a two-part invention, sometimes the left hand splits into two voices. In those spots, I tried to bring out that hidden third voice by separating how I played the left hand.

* These are personal reflections by the performer.