by Ann Major

Created on: January 21, 2012   Last Updated: May 02, 2012

It is no secret, music has the power to pick you up or put your down; make you laugh or make you cry. When it comes to the best classical music to listen to while working, opera or operatic arias are undeniably music that will inspire and lift your spirits; get you going, and definitely increase work productivity.

You do not need to be an opera aficionado to enjoy these timeless favorites while working. If songs or singing is not your cup of tea, there are orchestral versions to choose from, one production called "Opera Without Singing". These popular arias are guaranteed to get your heart pumping, adrenaline flowing, and elicit those feel-good endorphins; whether at home or work, or doing household chores.

The Toreadors from the opera Carmen by Bizet

This is rousing music, with lots of rah-rah-rah. In the orchestral version, there is a great deal of trumpet fanfare, depicting the spirit of Spanish bullfighters called toreadors. Musical strains alternate between slow and quick movements; heavy and light instrumental textures; strong and light rhythmic emphasis - much like the activity that goes on in a bull ring. If your work involves repetitious or tedious tasks, listening to The Toreadors would certainly help you pick up speed and give you an energy boost.

La Donna E Mobile (Women are Fickle) from the opera Rigoletto by Verdi

"Woman is flighty, Like a feather in the wind" (English Translation). Although the subject matter may sound serious in nature, this aria however, comes from a genre of opera called Opera Buffa or comic opera. This song is light; pokes fun at life and love; and the conflicts that result from relationships. Modern times, La Donna E Mobile is often used in movies for comic relief, played in scenes associated with food/family/love. It certainly makes the work load seem lighter when you listen to this jovial aria.

Anvil Chorus from the opera Il Trovatore by Verdi

This musical excerpt takes place in the middle of busy village life, with much hustle and bustle heard in the background. The music is both light and playful, with strikes of an anvil resonating through the piece. It is a working song, reminiscent of chants sung while doing manual labor.

Brandisi from the opera La Traviata by Verdi

In anticipation of TGIF, you can not go through the work week without listening to a classical drinking song. Certainly you can imagine brandishing a mug of beer with this happy, rollicking song with lilting lyrics of love and laughter. "Let us raise our

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