Suites 2 and 3Our new edition of the Suites op. 2 is basedon the 1708 first print and on the Nouvelle Editionof 1715. While the first print was still setin old-fashioned type, the second edition appearedengraved in the far more elegant copperplate. Botheditions present pieces for two flutes (with a Basseadjoutée in the 1715 print) at the end of thevolume, as well as the Echo pieces for solo flute.These ECOS appear in the flute part of the firstvolume of our edition, while the Duos are publishedseparately (BP 1786).The 1715 edition contains a wealth of ornaments,which the composer considered vital for theperformance of his works; we therefore urge playersto consult the Avertissement and the table ofornaments 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'srecommendation, instead of the transverse flute allthese pieces can also be played on recorder, oboe,violin, descant gamba or as harpsichord solos; inour edition we have followed the composer's adviceand transposed them a minor third upwards fortreble recorder. Winfried Michel
