His compositions include several neo-classical operas, orchestral and chamber pieces, and a large amount of church music.
Wishart is best known as a vocal composer, writing many songs, choral works (such as the English motet Jesu, dulcis memoria)[2] and five operas, of which The Captive, a tragedy in one act, is particularly notable.
[5][6] However, he also wrote a considerable number of orchestral and chamber pieces, including the Concerto for Orchestra (written during the Hungarian uprising), three symphonies and three quartets.
The four movement Symphony No 1 in 1952, scored for double woodwind, horns and strings, was premiered in a BBC broadcast on 16 November 1953.
According to his pupil Richard Carder Wishart's music was influenced by (neo-classical) Stravinsky, Paul Hindemith (especially Ludus Tonalis) and Malcolm Arnold.