Frank Peter Zimmermann plays Bach's Violin and Piano Sonatas

With artistry and technique beyond compare, Frank Peter Zimmermann is considered one of the world’s greatest violinists. His concert performances and recordings may seem relatively rare in comparison with other soloists of similar caliber—a choice that reflects the violinist’s particularly engaged and concentrated method of studying every repertoire he encounters. This video recording of his performance of Bach’s complete Violin Sonatas—featuring his longtime collaborator, the internationally-renowned Enrica Pace at the keyboard a testament to Zimmermann’s particular musical approach.

In these six sonatas, Bach develops a nuanced dialogue between the violin and the right hand of the keyboard, conceived as a sort of second violin part rather than mere accompaniment. Informed by the transparency and expressivity typical of period instrument performances, Zimmermann and Pace present the masterpieces in the splendid library of the Bavarian abbey Kloster Polling.