There is some academic discussion as to whether or not these sonatas were originally written for flute, so it is interesting that Barenreiter have produced this splendid edition for 'keyboard, violin (or flute) and violoncello'. It is almost certainly the real thing - or as close to it as may be possible given that the orignal manuscript is lost. The configuration of material is very different from other editions of these sonatas, giving the flute a less than starring role and with some of the violin writing actually being too low for our instrument. The change to basso continuo from fortepiano is another issue and completely alters their overall perception. It's all fascinating stuff. You will either embrace this as authenticity at last or (like me) you will continue to enjoy the arrangements. Or both!
