The short Joyeuse marche of nineteenth century French composer Emmanuel Chabrier is his second most popular orchestral work, with his España taking the lead. Both of these works were written in 1888, along with his Prélude pastorale. Chabrier also drew that year upon his previously published piano pieces as a source for new orchestrations. Four 1881 vintage pieces from the Dix Pièces pittoresques were refashioned into the Suite pastorale, and Chabrier also pressed into orchestral service a Habañera written in 1885. All of these works were first presented at a concert conducted by Chabrier in Angers, France, on November 4, 1888. This group of pieces forms the core of Chabrier's stand-alone orchestral music.

As for the Joyeuse marche, it is indeed joyous, even comical. In this work, Chabrier interrupts a high-stepping march with little tongue-in-cheek quotations and technical surprises that were designed to amuse the audiences of his day and to furrow the brows of his colleagues. Modern audiences generally do not "get" the jokes, but the spirited good fun of the Joyeuse marche is enough to put the work over in any situation, and that is what has kept it vital as a concert favorite.

There are a couple of unusual facts relating to the Joyeuse marche. First of all, the work did originate as a piano solo, despite that most sources cite Chabrier's piano version as an "arrangement." Secondly, there is a considerable amount of confusion regarding the correct title of the work. At its 1888 premiere, the Joyeuse marche was entitled "Marche française." By the time of its Paris premiere the following year, the title had been changed to "Marche Joyeuse," and in 1890 it first appeared on a Concerts Lamoureux program as Joyeuse marche. The last-named title is used as the standard in France, probably as it represents Chabrier's own final thoughts on the matter. However, outside of France the title "Marche Joyeuse" appears interchangeably with Joyeuse marche, and in English-speaking nations this alternate title tends to be favored.

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