J. S. Bach: Invention No. 6 in E Major, BWV 777

Performer’s Note: In this piece, I aimed to create an overall flow by introducing variations in the repeats: applying harmonic changes in the first half’s repeats and altering overtone structures in the second half’s repeats. For the first half repeats: In the first time through, I interpreted the progression around measure 13 as B→EM7, giving it a major tonality. In the second time, I interpreted measure 13 as B→EM7(omit5), which can also be perceived as a fourth-based progression, adding a more minor nuance to the performance. For the second half repeats: In the first time through, I continued the darker, minor sound from the first half and resonated the overtones to emphasize a minor feel (up to the 19th overtone). In the second time, I shaped the overtone structure toward a brighter, major tonality (up to the 41st overtone), to bring out a lighter character. With this approach, the overall tonal flow of the piece including the repeats becomes: “Major (first half, first repeat) → Minor (first half, second repeat) → Minor (second half, first repeat) → Major (second half, second repeat),” and especially for the cadence at the end of the second half, I aimed to make the first cadence feel unresolved and the second cadence conclusive. For the minor section from measure 29 onward (G♯m→D♯7→G♯m→D♯7→G♯7→C♯m→F♯7→B→D♯7→G♯m→A→D♯7), in the first time I tried to connect the minor tonal flow smoothly, and in the second time I shifted the overtone structure to a major feel to naturally lead into the final cadence. Additionally, in the darker, minor passages, I used the sostenuto pedal to sustain notes and emphasize the somber atmosphere. Although the piece has a bright overall impression, by highlighting the dark sections, the blending of overtones changes and creates a neutral, ambiguous mood that is neither purely major nor minor, which I tried to reflect in my performance. (This is solely the performer’s personal interpretation of the piece.) Reference Sheet Music: G. Henle Verlag – J.S. BACH: Inventions and Sinfonias IMSLP / Petrucci Music Library – Public Domain Recording Date: July 3, 2025 Performed by a 9-year-old #bach #invention #baroque