Bach composed these and other famous works, including the Brandenburg Concerti and the Cello Suites, during his Capellmeister years in Anhalt-Cöthen, Saxony, 1717-23. Violinist Hélène Schmitt, a fixture on European stages, mostly plays the solo violin repertoire of the 17th - early 19th century. She shows a special interest in and affinity for Italian and German music and culture. The international critics always receive her concerts and recordings enthusiastically.