Invention No 1 | Piano Play-Along
Johann Sebastian Bach
Invention No. 1 in C Major, BWV 772, by Johann Sebastian Bach is the first in a collection of 15 two-part inventions composed for keyboard instruction. Bach originally compiled and presented these works to his son Wilhelm Friedemann around 1720, though they were later widely circulated after being included in the Clavier-Büchlein für Wilhelm Friedemann Bach. This set of inventions were intended to teach students how to develop musical ideas and play contrapuntal textures with independence of the hands.
Invention No. 1 is an example of contrapuntal development, built around a single musical idea that is manipulated and passed between the two voices. The piece opens with a bright, ascending motive in the right hand, which is quickly imitated and elaborated upon in both voices throughout. Invention No. 1 embodies the clarity, balance, and rhythmic vitality of the Baroque period. Though often used in teaching, the invention also stands as a miniature masterpiece of thematic development and contrapuntal interplay.
Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 21st, 1685 in Eisenach, Germany. A great master of the Baroque Period, Bach’s contribution to the evolution of music is undeniable. Easily regarded as one of, if not the most influential composers in music history. This, however, was not exactly the case during his time. In fact, many of Bach’s contemporaries considered his work antiquated and old fashioned and preferred the music of Georg Philipp Telemann.
