Happy music: 6 cheery classical pieces ( from ClassicalFm)

The Marriage of Figaro – Mozart

Mozart certainly knew how to kick-start an opera. The overture to his wonderful The Marriage of Figaro is an exuberant, unashamedly joyful piece – and one of his best-loved pieces. Bet you're feeling cheery already…  

 

Ruslan and Ludmilla (Overture) – Glinka

Glinka's opera includes monsters, magic and a wizard called Finn. And the overture is as bonkers and over the top as you'd expect. Guaranteed to leave you with a (manic?) smile on your face.

 

Hoe Down – Copland

Whisk yourself away to 1940s America with Copland's infectious 'Hoe Down', from his ballet Rodeo. The tune is based on a piece written by a Kentucky fiddler, and what a tune it is.

 

'Largo al factotum' (from The Barber of Seville) – Rossini

Rossini's Figaro is a jack of all trades and this wonderful aria is the first thing he sings in the delightful opera The Barber of Seville . Now that is what you call an entrance.

 

Jupiter the bringer of jollity (The Planets) – Holst

We couldn't possibly leave out Holst's Jupiter, a piece inspired by cheerfulness personified. We won't tell anyone if you hum along with the famous tune…

 

Holberg Suite (Rigaudon) – Grieg

Grieg's lively Rigaudon is just one of the movements from his Holberg Suite, an unashamedly toe-tapping work for strings. It may actually be impossible not to tap your feet to this…  

 

 

http://www.classicfm.com/discover/music/happiest-pieces-classical-music/