Agnes Zimmermann: The Violin Sonatas

Born in Cologne, Agnes Zimmermann (1847–1925) settled in London as a child. She made her concert debut in 1863, playing the ‘Emperor’ Concerto, and was soon celebrated as one of Europe’s more important pianists, her partners in chamber music including Clara Schumann, Joseph Joachim, Alfredo Piatti and Wilma Neruda, Lady Hallé. She enjoyed a reputation also as teacher, music editor and composer. At the centre of her modest output of compositions are three substantial violin sonatas. Dramatic and lyrical by turn, and always beautifully crafted, they lie somewhere between Mendelssohn and Brahms, but demonstrate an impressively personal musical voice.

Mathilde Milwidsky, violin
Sam Haywood, piano

FIRST RECORDINGS