Fortunato Chelleri: Six Symphonies Nouvelles entertain

Fortunato Chelleri was certainly a cosmopolitan composer. He was an Italian opera composer initially. And then he was a court composer in Florence, Venice, and Barcelona.

In 1722 he worked with Giovanni Platti in Würzburg. He served in the Royal Swedish court in the 1730s and returned to Germany to finish his career. All the while he was studying the music around him -- which is what this release is about. 

The Six Symphonies Nouvelles are Chelleri's take on the latest trends (ca. 1740). The symphonies are in the Galant style. They have light, tuneful melodies, and elegant, clear-cut forms. 

My initial impression was that Chelleri was a happy, upbeat composer. The fast movements bristle with energy, and the overall tone is one of high spirits. 

As it turns out, every single symphony is in a major key. That may have something to do with the sunniness of this collection. 

No matter. Chelleri's a master craftsman. These works are well-constructed and tuneful. Vanni Moretto directs the Atalanta Fugiens Orchestra in some spirited performances. I like the way the ensemble seems to bounce off of the downbeat, propelling the music forward. 

I wouldn't classify these works as particularly profound. But they do what Chelleri intends them to. They entertain. 

Fortunato Chelleri: Six Symphonies Nouvelles
Atalanta Fugiens Orchestra; Vanni Moretto, conductor
Urania