Symphony No.4

For a period of nearly fifteen years John Abraham Fisher (1744-1806) was a figure of prominence in the musical life of 18th-century London. Fisher studied with Thomas Pinto and began working as a violinist in London theatre orchestras, making his debut at the King’s Theatre in 1765. His songs and symphonic works were performed in the concerts of the summer pleasure gardens of London, especially at Vauxhall Gardens where Fisher led the orchestra ca. 1769-1773. He composed at least seven symphonies, although only six of these were published (in separate parts) in July 1772. These works, as well as other compositions such as the overture to The Syrens and the six duettos for two violins, reveal a skilled and powerful musical voice. Although all of these works were composed before Fisher’s European tours, they demonstrate the composer’s awareness of the most up-to-date continental musical trends, especially those associated with the Mannheim school.