Controversy over Bach's Orchestral Suites

J. S. Bach wrote four suites for orchestra; number 1 in C Major, number 2 in B Minor, and Numbers 3 and 4 in D Major. There is no controversy with regard to the first two, but a debate has arisen over the last two with regard to whether trumpets and tympani were originally included by the composer, or whether they were added later by someone else. At least one recording of the suites has been issued in which the trumpets and tympani are omitted, and one must admit that the suites work quite nicely without those instruments. On the other hand, the presence of trumpets and tympani do add a decided touch of brilliance to the works which just isn't there without them. I would not consider myself qualified to make a valid critical judgment as to Bach's intentions with regard to these two compositions; however, I personally do prefer the more common version with the brilliance and festive atmosphere provided by the presence of the trumpets and tympani.