In the Barenreiter edition for the Bach French Suites, there are two versions for each suite - an A and a B. I am working on the fifth suite, but I like some things in each version more than the other, and I can't decide which version to use. However, in the preface, it states that "The present volume contains Bach's six French Suites in two forms: the earlier version transmitted by Altnickol (Version A); and the later ornamented version (Version B)." It also states the sources used, saying "A somewhat but not significantly divergent form incorporating all six suites for the first time, transmitted in particular through a copy by Bach's student and son-in-law Johann Christoph Altnickol; printed in the present volume as Version A. A later form with more variant readings, the transmission of which was so indirect that it is impossible to discount with certainty the possibility of of unauthorized alterations as made by Bach's pupils; printed in the present volume as Version B."
This makes it seem as if Version A is the one that is closer to the original text. Thoughts???

Also, that was all from a book I am only temporarily using from the library, but I am planning on buying a Barenreiter copy for myself. However, there seems to be two Barenreiter versions of the French Suites...one is the "embellished version" and the other has versions A and B. Am I to assume that the "embellished version" is just version B?
Here are links...
Embellished version - http://sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_deta...ts+Item-_-Title
Versions A and B - http://sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_deta...ts+Item-_-Title

I am personally quite happy with the Henle edition