Suites 1, 2 Our new edition of the Suites op. 2 is based on the 1708 first print and on the Nouvelle Edition of 1715. While the first print was still set in old-fashioned type, the second edition appeared engraved in the far more elegant copperplate. Both editions present pieces for two flutes (with a Basse adjoutée in the 1715 print) at the end of the volume, as well as the Echo pieces for solo flute. These ECOS appear in the flute part of the first volume of our edition, while the Duos are published separately (BP 1786). The 1715 edition contains a wealth of ornaments, which the composer considered vital for the performance of his works; we therefore urge players to consult the Avertissement and the table of ornaments reproduced on page 24 of the score. The 5th movement of the 3rd Suite Le Plaintif is headed Tres Lentement in the first print, and tendrement in the second. On Hotteterre's recommendation, instead of the transverse flute all these pieces can also be played on recorder, oboe, violin, descant gamba or as harpsichord solos; in our edition we have followed the composer's advice and transposed them a minor third upwards for treble recorder. Winfried Michel
