Let's consult an expert. What should we do when we have triplets (notated as quavers with a 3 above them) in a piece which also has the figure "dotted quaver plus semiquaver group" ? Some (modern) "experts" say play both rhythmic patterns literally. (Even if the patterns occur simultaneously, one in a "top line" part and the other in the bass part.) Other (modern) "experts" say "Don't do that! The notation "dotted quaver plus semiquaver" was only used in the baroque period because they hadn't developed the modern triplet notation of crotchet plus quaver with a 3 above. What you should do is assimilate the dotted notation so that the dotted quaver takes the time of two triplet quavers and the semiquaver takes the time of one of them."
What does Quantz say in his great book? Basically, do as the first modern "expert" says. In Quantz's words," [otherwise] the expression would be very lame and insipid, rather than brilliant and majestic".
Ah, but...! What does CPE Bach say in his great book? Basically do as the first modern expert says - assimilate. His reason is that this avoids introducing the (his words) "repulsive unaccented appoggiatura" (see p160 and p98 of his book) which results in this context from the semiquaver leading on to the next dotted quaver.
Perhaps this discrepancy is not surprising? Perhaps Q and B were writing at different times in different places? Not so... Q was Frederick the Great's teacher and "house composer" at the same time as B was Fred's accompanist (and paid much less than Q), with Q usually standing close to Fred in performances in order to encourage him and say nice things. Their books were published within a year of each other. How their differences - there were others - were dealt with doesn't seem to be recorded - my guess is that B had to grin and bear it until it got too much for him and he moved on to Hamburg, but he stuck it out for a long time (his pay wasn't too bad and he was surrounded by other great musicians).
Is there a moral to this tale? Firstly, beware of experts of every period - don't take everything at face value. Sometimes there are valid alternatives. Secondly: Try both - use your ears. What works in a given context? You pays your money and you takes your choice.
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