Composer-priest Paul Fisher (born 1943, North Worcestershire, UK)
is represented here by music for choir and organ and
solo organ. His pitch is moderate, emulating church and organ music of the last
mid-century. That in itself can isolate the content for those who cringe from anything
later and enjoy the comfort of a familiar style.
On the other hand, even a well-used musical idiom can draw upon its sounds in a
slightly unusual context to cast both light and shadow with beneficial result. The ambitious
work here is Columcille [listen -- track 10, 9:58-11:10]
illustrating five episodes in the life of Columba, an
Irish saint. A narrator defines specific passages to be reflected in the music. It all
makes for a well-judged score, slightly dampened in effect by restraint, and yet ideal
for those who tremble before the fierce soundworlds of today's unrelenting
composers.
There's plenty of variety in the complete content. Gentle meditations on known tunes,
vigorous attacks with the big favourites, and upbeat quirkiness with such
promising material as Jingle bells [listen -- track 6,
2:11-2:51]. There's no real sense of strong creativity, but plenty of variety
of the type that those in the pews will find appealing and perhaps moving.
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