FISHER, J.A.: Symphonies Nos. 1–6
Czech Chamber Philharmonic, Pardubice • Halász
8.574254

Described as having ‘natural genius’, John Abraham Fisher was a significant figure in London during the second half of the 18th century. A virtuoso violinist, he also wrote admired stage works for the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. His orchestral works are largely forgotten today, but his symphonies display a surprising awareness of contemporary continental trends in their use of dynamic variations, revealing the influence of the Mannheim School. Raymond Bisha introduces a selection of his symphonies that possess a richness of colour, contrast and surprise, typical of Fisher’s expanding Classical style.