Actus Tragicus, BWV106: 1. Sonatina (piano transcription)

Solace is found through the prevalence of the sighing motif in a major key [1]. To enhance this effect, I have chosen to double the bass only on the downbeat or chord changes, with arm weight (not obvious on a digital piano) and liberal pedaling. Instead of copying the two flute parts literally, their combined sound effect is considered in the transcription. The ample 10ths and 11ths in both hands turn this piece into a finger stretching exercise while maintaining a careful balance in the voices.
[1] My source is the Neue Bach-Ausgabe which is in the key of F major. Other editions are in E-flat major.
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Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
1. Sonatina
Arr.: Ruoshi Sun (2024)
Piano: Ruoshi Sun (2024) on CLP-785
Temperament: Werckmeister
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Links
Score download: imslp.org/wiki/...

[@OrzoMondo]

If you don't know what this is, you'd find it very difficult to say that it's Bach. One more reason why Bach is the GOAT. :)

[@sebaux]

Amazing job

[@isaacfinkelstein1275]

Awesome transcription and playing!

[@SenicoOcines]

interestingly, i didn't discovered this piece by bach. i found out about this cantata by an arrangement of the sonatina made by pom poko. its a wonderful arrangement with soothing guitars, bass, drums and airy singing. i strongly recommend looking up "pom poko - Sonatina"

[@p07a]

Wow. That was an interesting discovery for me. They did a fine job making it sound so contemporary.

[@SimonPiano42]

Great, dreamy :) I've played the transcription by Erdos (on IMSLP), where I changed a few things that I found weird, but otherwise it's also good.
But I really like this arrangement.
I also really like the very slow tempo, at least I played it much faster, but like this it is quite spiritual or meditative!

[@RuoshiSun]

My preference is increasingly shifting toward slower tempi, perhaps with age...

[@SimonPiano42]

​@@RuoshiSun Yes, same for me! And there's this striking comment by Hamelin that I've remembered since years, something like "The older I get, the slower tempi I like. Sometimes I listen to old recordings of when I was young, and I think "Slow down, kid! Let the music breathe!" - I don't remember the exact quote, it was in some interview, but it had a great effect on me, and I was actually quite young when I heard it.