A GARDENER’S WORLD

Alessandro Fisher’s debut album on Rubicon, “A Gardener’s World: Flowers in Song,” is a delightful and poignant exploration of nature’s beauty, expressed through a carefully curated selection of songs. Inspired by his own garden, Fisher’s recital, originally performed at Wigmore Hall in 2021, captures the essence of hope and renewal that bloomed during the lockdown. 

The opening track, Schubert’s ‘Die Blumensprache,’ sets the tone for the entire recital with Fisher’s warm-hearted embrace of the lyrics. Richard Capell’s words from nearly a century ago perfectly describe Fisher’s approach, as he skillfully suggests ardor beneath the playful surface. The collaboration with pianist Anna Tilbrook is seamless, with poised decorations and acutely judged modulations. 

Mendelssohn’s ‘Das erste Veilchen’ showcases Fisher’s innate insight into familiar lyrics, taking poignant pauses and switching keys to convey the disappearing spring and the death of the violet. Clara’s ‘Das Veilchen’ provides a happy pairing, avoiding sentimentality and showcasing Fisher’s sharp narrative and subtle coloring. 

The pièce de résistance of the recital is Sibelius’s Op 88 songs. Fisher’s interpretation is nothing short of rare insight, from the spine-tingling high notes in ‘The Thorn’ to the heartbreak in ‘The Flower’s Fate’ and the trilling of the lark in ‘Blue Anemone.’ The omission of piano markings in ‘The Wood Anemone’ becomes forgivable in the face of such compelling performance. 

The second half of the album explores lighter fare with two colorful ballads by Carlos Guastavino and songs by the Catalan Eduard Toldrà. Fisher’s storytelling remains impeccable, and his open and welcoming voice brings these pieces vividly to life. 

Exploring chansons, Fisher excels in Fauré’s infectious ‘Le papillon et la fleur,’ Chausson’s ‘Les papillons,’ and Poulenc’s gravely beautiful ‘Fleurs.’ His rendition of Poulenc’s song, part of a cycle translated as ‘Bethrothal for fun,’ resonates with calm serenity and voluptuous tone. 

The album concludes with English songs, ranging from Elgar’s teenage ditty ‘The Language of Flowers’ to Muriel Herbert’s odes to violets and daffodils. Fisher’s interpretation of Haydn Wood’s ‘Love’s Garden of Roses’ is a showstopper, paying homage to John McCormack’s pioneering recording. The encore, Swann and Flanders’ ‘Misalliance,’ is rendered gently and intimately, providing a perfect conclusion to this exceptional recital. 

Alessandro Fisher’s album is nothing short of auspicious. His masterful interpretation of a diverse selection of songs, coupled with his emotive storytelling and impeccable vocal technique, makes “A Gardener’s World: Flowers in Song” a standout and memorable recital album. Not since the legendary collaboration between Martin Isepp and Janet Baker has a British singer made such a remarkable debut on record. Fisher’s star is undoubtedly on the rise, and this album solidifies his place as a notable voice in the classical music landscape.