The six Sonatas for Unaccompanied Violin (BWV 1001) were completed in 1720. At this time Bach was 35 years old and employed by Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen. His duties included composing and performing chamber music for his patron. This arrangement is an adaptation of the Fuga from the first sonata. Prior to the publication of these works the violin was thought of as an instrument playing melody lines. The Fuga along with the other movements of this and the other 5 sonatas demonstrates the ingenious exploitation of the multi-voice capabilities of the violin. Of course the flute can’t do this so the work has been transcribed for two C Flutes and two Alto Flutes.

Instrumentation:

• Flute 1
• Flute 2
• Alto Flute 1
• Alto Flute 2 (or Bass Flute)