Bach French Suites Barenreiter A or B?

[jam8086]

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 - https://sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_detail.html?item=2449945&cart=34072327202178613&cm_re=289.1.4-_-Results+Item-_-Title
Versions A and B - https://sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_detail.html?item=3850994&cart=34072327202178613&cm_re=289.1.4-_-Results+Item-_-Title

[iumonito]

You should think of this as the score of a jazz song.  There is loads that is not written down but is expected to be understood and provided by the performer.

B is likely closer to how Bach played it than A.  I find the unauthorized hand concept particularly offensive.  What I would give to take lessons or at least get suggestions on ornamentation and improvisation from someone who studied these works with Bach himself!

Develop your taste, then improvise.  A lot.

Best wishes,
IU

[faulty_damper]

You are correct, the embellished is "version B", the later version of the suites.
Most pianists use this version because it is 'embellished' which makes interpretation easier because they can just read the score as is.

If you are really concerned about 'authentic' interpretation then you cannot read the score using modern eyes.  It will mislead you into thinking what is on the printed page is what was meant to be performed.  Notation back then was not as exact as it is today.  For example, we can notate triplets clearly in the score but it was impossible back then.  Embellishments were usually not notated accurately or were left out entirely and assumed the performer will be able to hear and embellish accordingly (and tastefully).

Also, the Baerenreiter edition for both versions also contain the two suites in A minor and E-flat major.  I have both editions: the embellished version is easier to use because it is half the thickness.