Fischer Johann Christian, *1733 Freiburg in Breisgau, †29 April 1800 London, German oboist and composer. Around 1760, he was a member of a band of pr. M.H. Radziwiłł in Nieśwież; in 1760–64, he was a member of the court band in Dresden. Around 1767, he was probably in the service of Frederick II, in 1768 he settled in London, where he was an extremely valued virtuoso for many years. He also belonged to the Queen’s orchestra. He made numerous concert journeys throughout his life (including in 1757 – Warsaw, in 1765 – Italy, in 1768 – the Netherlands).
In the last decades of the 18th century, Fischer was considered the greatest oboist in Europe. His tone, developed on the patterns of Italian singing, was especially appreciated. Fischer’s pieces are in the galant style. There is a predilection for using folk-type melodies. W.A. Mozart based his piano variations on Fischer’s menuet (KV 179).
Compositions:
9 concerts for oboe or Western concert flute with orchestra, London around 1770–85
10 sonatas for Western concert flute or oboe (?) and basso continuo, London around 1780
7 divertimentos for 2 Western concert flutes, London around 1780
6 duos for 2 flutes
Harpsichord pieces
quartets
Editions:
Oboe Concerto in C major, published by A. Carse, London 1956
Oboe Concerto in E-flat major no. 2, published by R. Meylan, Wiesbaden 1963
