J.S. Bach – The Authentic (?) Flute Sonata in E-Flat Major

Abstract

Of all the chamber works attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach, the Sonata in E-flat major for transverse flute and obbligato cembalo, BWV 1031, presents one of the most puzzling enigmas. For much of J.S. Bach’s instrumental music no primary sources have survived and very often some loose ends are found, concerning the “when” and in “which context” his compositions were written. Following this line of thought, this article aims to develop a review of the bibliography concerning the sonata in E-flat major, BWV 1031, making reference to the existing sources to date and presenting the various issues concerning its authorship. Although a final answer is not given, it is ascertained that both J.S. Bach… and J.J. Quantz shall have played a fundamental role on it.