Name any classical composition that you think is particularly fun, light or joyful?

Question

This can be any instrumental (solo or ensemble) or any vocal (solo or ensemble) but stick to actual classical music and leave out film or video soundtracks and new age pop--though modern, living composers are certainly okay.   I'm asking because of all those requests for "sad, dark, creepy, goth" music.

For example, this is fun (ironically from an operetta concerning death and the underworld)--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT24krt30gE&feature=related

SkuaGirl · Accepted Answer

Cimarosa: Il Maestro di Capella

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dthKv60eXJo&feature=related

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@Legato: I hope you don't think I'm being pedantic, but Danse Macabre is by Saint-Saëns.

Ross · Answer

Beethoven 8th symphony
Mozart A Little Night Music
Haydn the Surprise Symphony, The Seasons Oratorio which uses some of the themes of the surprise symphony
Vivaldi mandolin concerto
Prokofiev Classical Symphony, Peter and the Wolf

K C · Answer

How about a bit of Shostakovich?  Specifically, the last movement from his first piano concerto.  Here's a performance of that movement with the composer's son as a conductor and his grandson (!) as soloist.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z8egy9bJ9U&feature=related

There's also a recording of the composer himself playing the piece, which you can buy at http://www.amazon.com/Shostakovich-Concertos-Fantastic-Preludes-Fugues/dp/B000THIJIY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1311839689&sr=8-2

In his younger days Shostakovich supported himself by working as a piano player in movie houses in the days of silent film, and over the years he composed dozens of film scores.  Although this concerto was never film music, to me it has the feel of some of those slapstick comedy shorts about  it.  For example, the theme at 1:45 or the ending from 5:45 onwards.

cantilena91 · Answer

Bizzarie All'imor Scozzeze by Nicola Matteis.

♪ Legato ♪ · Answer

Beethoven's Violin Sonata No.5 (Spring)

Um a lot of Ravel's pieces are very...bubbly or tinkly haha I guess. Like valses nobles et sentimentales.  I like the first movement.  Also his le tombeau de couperin.

Or Danse Macabre.  (Saint-Saens lol)

I love Ravel....

@ Anna Fransson: Thank you so much.  Wow I am so embarrassed. I can't believe I made that mistake.  Hahaha Thank you :)

? · Answer

Hmm this is classical styled and good:
http://youtu.be/J1DxzCLwV98  (have to love castlevania, f*ckin classics :D)

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Name any classical composition that you think is particularly fun, light or joyful?

6 Answers