I have been working on Bach Invention No. 1 lately, and I noticed that it has a lot of slurs. Now I haven't acknowledged these, and I may be an idiot for not doing so, as they may be crucial to how the piece is supposed to sound. So are these slurs crucial to playing this piece right?

The slurs are editorial. Bach didn't add them.

Kreisler is right--Bach didn't put slurs or other markings--just notes. Busoni edited them as did others. I used the Edwin Fischer edition (Hansen Publishers) when in Vienna. My teacher had played duo piano with him. As I just responded to your PM, follow your teachers advice. If he has you follow the slurs (there are variances of opinions on how to play Bach) then do it. He's your mentor. He'll advise you on how he wants it done.

Ralph

Yes, I agree with the above posts too. I think I read this for the first time in an article by Maurice Hinson.

+1.

You want an edition without all the editorial.

Not familiar with the slurs in your edition, however I do believe that phrasing in Bach IS crucial. And I think the phrases in the Inventions are pretty clear.

I had to use Wikipedia to be reminded of what a musical slur is ... appertaining to the Bach Invention no. 1 ... maintain the flow of notes ... it would seem pretty obvious not to rock Bach’s boat.

PS Have just played through the merry little ditty ... fascinating way the old Master blips his note motifs between hands.

You should hear the slurs I get for my bum cooking!