Suggestions to improve Bach Invention?

[ranjit]

I'm trying to listen for characteristics which would make a really good performance of this piece. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[frodo4]

Hello Ranjit, I hear nice attempts at dynamics in this piece.

For your performance, IMO the #1 characteristic which would make a really good performance is SOLIDITY. I listen to second marker 51 to 58 (0:51 – 0:58) of your performance and I hear a nice solid performance.  Now make the rest just as solid.

An example of a solid performance by a student of a piece that is about this difficulty is the thread a few spots down from this one.  Notice the great confidence in his performance.
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=70593.0

So, what do you need to do to make this a solid performance?  The following is just a suggestion.  Others will have different opinions.

Practice this piece for the next 52 weeks. IN ADDITION to your regular practice, add 30-60 more minutes of practice time per week devoted only to this piece.  We want this to be one of your SIGNATURE PIECES.  Of course, you could choose to do the d-minor invention that you posted before instead if you prefer.

Others will disagree vehemently with this, but I feel strongly that you need to do the following.  Start each practice session with HANDS SEPARATE WITH AND WITHOUT A METRONOME.  10-15 minutes for each hand.  You should be able to achieve absolute perfection of sound with absolute precise rhythm and absolute perfect steady beat and good dynamics with hands playing separately.  Your brain and ear will give its undivided attention to the single hand playing.  For the final 10 to 40 minutes play hands together.

It is my opinion that the following will happen in your subconscious mind, maybe as you sleep at night.  Your brain will find a way to put the 2 hands together so the 2 parts when played together sound as solid as when they are played separately.  In other words, when you record both hands together and then edit the recording to remove the bottom (left hand) voice for example (not sure this is even possible, but pretend it is), the resulting recording will sound the same as when you play the right hand alone.

Anyway, this is my suggestion.  I would love to see you post hands separately performances as well as hands together in the future.  Good luck!! 

[frodo4]

Bar far, the most important consideration for your piano practice is your enjoyment.  Nothing even comes close to this IMO.  If you don’t enjoy polishing pieces (and many don’t), you can still develop a lot of skills by going through a lot of pieces, sight reading, working on various exercises, etc.  Bottom line: Work on learning piano by practicing in a way that gives you the most enjoyment.  It’s that simple IMO.

[ranjit]

Thank you. Hopefully, it won't take a year -- I plan to master the Invention by next week.

[frodo4]

Thank you. Hopefully, it won't take a year -- I plan to master the Invention by next week.

Great!  But seriously though, work to improve this only if you enjoy doing so. And be patient!