When I'm in a really good mood, I like to listen to music that reflects that. I do listen to a lot of bouncy songs with words to which I can sing along, but sometimes, I prefer music that just has the feeling without the words.
And that is what I am going to share with you today: My favorite instrumental songs for when I'm happy. They are infectiously joyful, and make me just want to dance around the room. In addition, they're so catchy that I find myself continuing to hum and whistle these pieces for hours or even days.
So, you could get an earworm after going through this article. But that's the risk you take when listening to good music! For your convenience, I've even thrown together a Youtube playlist of the songs mentioned in this article.
1. Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka
Pictured above is the composer of this lively piece, Johann Strauss II. I like the Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka because it flies at a breakneck pace and leaves me feeling energized.
2. The Sleeping Beauty Waltz
This is the original cast of Tchaikovsky's ballet. I like the Sleeping Beauty Waltz especially, because (like most waltzes) is so lovely for dancing. I admit that I sometimes dance in my room by myself.
3. Title Theme (from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker)
This bouncy tune, composed by Koji Kondo, is full of adventure. While the original version on the video game soundtrack is great, I have opted to go with a cover of the Wind Waker theme performed by one of my favorite Youtube musicians, Alex Heflin.
4. Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
I like this piece because it practically scintillates. Composed by George Frideric Handel, Arrival of the Queen of Sheba brings to life the eponymous event recorded in the Bible, when the Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon.
5. Parade of the Ewoks
Of course I have to include something by John Williams. Whether or not you are a fan of the Ewoks, you must admit that there is something cheery about this relatively slower-paced piece.
6. Schatz-Walzer
Oh, look, another Johann Strauss II piece. Yes, pretty much all of his stuff is bright and catchy. The title is literally translated as "Treasure-Waltz", but Schatz can also mean "sweetheart" in German.
7. Helium Balloon
So, this isn't technically an instrumental piece, but actually an electronic piece composed by Adam Young, aka Owl City. Helium Balloon is just one of the many excellent songs from his album about Project Excelsior.
8. Jig (from The Little Mermaid)
Also can't forget Disney. Alan Menken composed the Jig in the soundtrack for The Little Mermaid. A perfect song for dancing.
9. String Quartet Op. 3 No. 4 in B flat major
The lightheartedness in this string quartet by Joseph Haydn is simply infectious.
10. Title Theme (from Animal Crossing, Gamcube version)
Kazumi Totaka is the composer of the music for the Animal Crossing series of video games. Although I never played the Gamecube Animal Crossing, I always liked the theme song—and again, I'm linking you to a cover by Alex Heflin.
11. Overture to The Marriage of Figaro
No list of happy music would be complete without including something by Mozart; in this case, we have the overture from The Marriage of Figaro. I'm not sure that it's possible to be grumpy while listening to Mozart.
12. Fireworks (from Animal Crossing: New Leaf)
I can't help but include another of Kazumi Totaka's compositions from the Animal Crossing games. This song is full of festivity, as befits music to accompany a fireworks show in the game.
13. Overture to Die Fledermaus
I have saved the most persistent earworm for last, of course. It's what'll stick with you for the rest of your life. I mean day. Another fantastic piece by Johann Strauss II.
