Performance Record of J.S. Bach – Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106 (Self-arranged Piano Solo)

This is a performance record of J.S. Bach’s “Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit” (Sonatina from BWV 106), arranged as a piano solo and recorded in June 2025 by Reiji at age 9. The arrangement is based on the 1768 manuscript (Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Mus.ms. Bach P 1018), and focuses on expressing the quiet dignity and spiritual stillness of the original orchestral writing through piano resonance. The performance seeks to offer a moment of calm and reflection through careful pedal use, voicing, and dynamic shaping.

Reiji's Observations

• I arranged this piece for solo piano based on the 1768 manuscript. I wanted to keep as much of the original texture as I could while making it work for one player.
• When I play it, I imagine a quiet prayer, like time is standing still but still moving gently forward.
• The low notes feel like the earth, and the high notes feel like light. I tried to balance those with the pedal to bring out the overtones without making the sound muddy.
• I also wanted the chords to feel like they’re breathing, so I paid attention to how they connect and how they end—especially in the suspensions and stepwise motions.
• I hope this version can offer a little peace to anyone who listens, even for just a short moment.

* These are personal reflections by the performer.

Arranged Score