Suite No 2 in B minor for transverse flute solo, violins, viola and basso continuo (BWV 1067)

J.S. Bach: Orchestral Suite No 2 for flute solo and orchestra in B minor (BWV 1067) was written in 1739 in Leipzig and is the only one among the other 4 orchestral suites with a distinguished flute solo part. Surviving autograph parts for the solo flute and viola are written on paper and in handwriting that specifically place them in this period. This timing coincides with Bach resuming directorship of the Leipzig Collegium Musicum after a two-year hiatus.
Most scholars believe it was written for the French flute virtuoso Pierre-Gabriel Buffardin, the principal flutist of the Dresden Court Orchestra. Buffardin's legendary speed and dexterity are reflected in the suite's challenging solo passages, particularly in the final movement. Most likely, that piece was premiered at Zimmermann’s Coffee House in Leipzig during one of the weekly concerts hosted by the Collegium Musicum.
During these years, Bach was heavily focused on secular and instrumental music for the Collegium Musicum rather than sacred cantatas. Bach had recently received the title of "Royal Court Composer" from Augustus III of Poland in 1736. His increased contact with the brilliant Dresden Court Orchestra (where Buffardin worked) influenced his writing for solo woodwinds. At this point in his life, Bach was a master of synthesizing international styles. In BWV 1067, he perfectly balances the stately, rhythmic "French Overture" style of Lully with the "galant" and virtuosic elements emerging in contemporary European music.
Scored for a "transverse flute," two violins, viola, and basso continuo, this work treats the flute as a true soloist, especially in the final Badinerie, which serves as a technical showpiece.