Joanna Lumley & The Maestro
Music
About
Joanna Lumley and her husband Stephen Barlow invite you into their home for a fascinating, funny journey into their shared love of music. You probably know Joanna Lumley, but you may not be aware that her husband Stephen Barlow is a famed conductor, composer and musician - and the pair of them are passionate about classical music. On this, their new podcast, the pair welcome you into their home for a personal, fascinating and funny journey through a musical world. Joanna is the enthusiastic amateur - asking the questions she’s always wanted to ask - and Stephen is The Ma...
Episodes
- The Piano Tuner
Joanna and Stephen welcome David Widdicombe, a piano tuner with three decades of experience at Steinway. David shares insights into tuning different types of pianos, his work with renowned musicians, and the intricacies of achieving the id…
- The Bohemians: Martinů & Janáček
This episode features Bohuslav Martinů and Leoš Janáček, two Czech composers. It explores the joyful music of Martinů and delves into Janáček's works like The Cunning Little Vixen, Sinfonietta, and the Glagolitic Mass.
- Women Composers, the "Ol' 55" and the wonders of 'The Trout'
Joanna Lumley questions The Maestro about a vital musical note, the status of female composers, and Franz Schubert's Trout quintet in a brief episode.
- A Few Blobs On A Stave
Stephen and Joanna discuss the written language of music, including symbols, sounds, expression, speed, and time signatures. Stephen quizzes Joanna on her musical literacy, while Wagner provides a 'moderate' tempo interpretation.
- Earworms, Engravers and Glastonbury
Joanna Lumley and Stephen address listener questions regarding earworms, Joanna's potential attendance at Glastonbury, and clarity for an engraver in this episode.
- Let's Get Stringy
Joanna Lumley and Stephen Fry delve into the world of the violin concerto, exploring its mechanics, virtuoso performers, and significant compositions by Elgar, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Sibelius.
- Mongolian Throat Singing & The Love For Three Oranges
This mini-episode of Joanna Lumley & The Maestro features a discussion on Mongolian throat singing, the Maestro's preferred name, and conducting music inspired by 'The Love for Three Oranges'.
- The French Impressionists
Joanna Lumley and Stephen explore French musical impressionism, examining how composers like Debussy, Ravel, and Boulez used sound to create imagery and inspire imagination.
- Colours, Moods, Shoes and trouble with Transposition
Joanna Lumley and Stephen tackle listener questions about the mental effects of musical transposition, the relationship between musical keys and moods, and fashion advice for formal occasions.
- The Glorious British Brass Band
Joanna and Stephen discuss the history and impact of British brass bands, from their origins in the Industrial Revolution to their presence in modern concerts, competitions, and films.
- Bonus Stephen Fry: The Audience, Artificial Intelligence and a very un-Hollywood story
In this bonus episode, Stephen Fry discusses the significance of audiences, the pianist Ervin Nyiregyházi, and the implications of artificial intelligence for classical music with Joanna Lumley.
- Anna Lapwood: Bach, Lutosławski & The Ministry of Sound
Anna Lapwood joins hosts to discuss a past mistaken identity incident. The conversation also covers organ music from Lutosławski, Bach, and Duruflé, and a Faithless performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
- Concerts, Carols & All Things Christmas
Joanna Lumley and Stephen answer listener questions about Christmas traditions, including acceptable times for Bucks Fizz, the festive interests of Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach, the best carol for singing, and Joanna's annual Christmas read…
- Merry Christmas From Joanna & the Maestro
Joanna Lumley and The Maestro present a Christmas special featuring a wide range of music from carols to Wham! in The Music Room.
- Bonus Christmas Ken Bruce
This is a bonus Christmas episode of Joanna Lumley & The Maestro featuring an interview with Joanna Lumley as a special guest on Ken Bruce's show on Greatest Hits Radio. The episode includes music selected by Joanna.
- Child Prodigies, The Jocundity of Rossini and The Big Snare Drum
This mini-episode of Joanna Lumley & The Maestro addresses listener questions regarding the methods conductors use to express complex emotions, advice on nurturing child prodigies, and proper conduct in 1870s opera houses.
- Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan on the making of 'Maestro'
Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan join Joanna Lumley and Stephen for a discussion on the making of the biopic 'Maestro.' They cover Cooper's meticulous practice of conducting, early musical influences, and the inspiration behind the film,…
- Great Conductors, Musical Signatures and Whizz Kids
Joanna Lumley and Stephen explore the techniques of renowned conductors, the idea of a unique conductor 'sound,' and a peculiar childhood event that nearly altered Stephen's musical path.
- Stephen Fry and the Virtuosity of Classical Music
Stephen Fry discusses his childhood love for classical music and composers like Schubert, Brahms, and Chopin. He and Joanna Lumley also explore the emotional depth of composers from Bach to Mahler, and Fry interprets concertos as societal…
- Unsung Heroes: Lili Boulanger, Prodigy meets Tragedy
This mini-episode of Joanna Lumley & The Maestro focuses on the 'unsung hero' Lili Boulanger, a prodigious French composer. It explores the flourish, color, and romance present in her musical works.
- Aled Jones: Teenage Choirs, Richard Branston and the Music of Everything
Aled Jones shares his experiences with unreleased childhood music, meeting Richard Branson at Virgin Records, recording 16 albums before his voice broke, and his connection with Terry Wogan.
- Unsung Heroes: Charles Koechlin and Magic of The Jungle Book
Stephen and Joanna discuss Charles Koechlin's late works, specifically his symphonic poem 'Les Bandar-Log' inspired by Kipling's Jungle Book. The piece, finished in 1940, blends various early 20th-century styles.
- Rule Breakers: Gesualdo, Beethoven and Stravinsky
This episode of Joanna Lumley & The Maestro explores how composers Carlo Gesualdo, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Igor Stravinsky revolutionized music. It delves into Gesualdo's emotional madrigals, Beethoven's reimagining of the symphony, and…
- Bonus Brydon: Mashups, Richard Burton and 'The Swinging Doors'
In this bonus episode of Joanna Lumley & The Maestro, Rob Brydon discusses a 'schlocky' teen movie and shares how to initiate a conversation in the style of Richard Burton.
- Rob Brydon: Springsteen, Miles Davis and paying homage to The King
Comedian Rob Brydon joins Joanna Lumley to discuss the poetry of Bruce Springsteen, his journey into musicals, and his early life in Porthcawl and Swansea.
- Welcome back to Joanna Lumley & The Maestro Season 3
Joanna Lumley & The Maestro returns for Season 3, inviting listeners into their home to discuss classical music. Guests include Stephen Fry, Aled Jones, and Anna Lapwood, with future episodes featuring Rob Brydon.
- Getting THE FEAR & The First Ever Opera
In this mini episode, Stephen reminisces about a difficult musical performance, Joanna discusses composers lost to history, and the origins of the first opera are investigated.
- Interval Please
In "Interval Please," Stephen explains the role of intervals as building blocks in music, while Joanna Lumley shares insights into performers' activities during stage breaks. The episode explores both the technical and practical aspects of…
- Dogs Riding Horses & Music For Your Funeral
This episode discusses short classical music pieces and the concept of composers creating music for their own funerals. A listener also shares an unusual story about a dog riding a horse.
- The King of Instruments
The episode discusses the organ, an intricate instrument with thousands of pipes, celebrated by composers like Mozart and Bach. It delves into the reasons for its decline in popularity and its lasting significance.
- The Coronation (Part 2)
In part two of The Coronation, Joanna and Stephen address audience questions regarding the King's coronation. They delve into the musical aspects, including new compositions and the conductorship of Andrew Nethsingha and Sir Antonio Pappan…
- STRAUSS PARTY!
Joanna and Stephen delve into the music and life of Richard Strauss, highlighting his operas Elektra and Salome and discussing his enduring impact. They welcome listener suggestions for future composer deep dives.
- The Coronation (Part 1)
Joanna Lumley and Stephen recount their experiences as guests at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. They share details about their favourite moments from the ceremony held at Westminster Abbey.
- Welcome To The English School
Joanna Lumley and Stephen discuss the characteristics of musical styles associated with different regions. This episode focuses on 'The English School,' covering composers from Elgar to Goehr across two centuries.
- Modern Classical Music - Just For ‘Smarty Pants’?
Joanna and Stephen address listener questions about their emotional responses to music, the perceived complexity of modern classical compositions, and the Maestro's subjective experience of listening.
- Mark Kermode: Scores, Cinema and The Sound of The Exorcist…
Film critic Mark Kermode discusses his favorite film soundtracks and composers with Joanna and Stephen. The conversation includes a deep dive into the music of 'The Exorcist', which introduced Kermode to classical music.
- Opera - Just For The Posh?
Joanna Lumley and Stephen discuss whether opera is exclusively for the upper class, answer listener questions about dream composers, and debate the best James Bond theme song.
- Sean Rafferty: Celidhs, Studio Emergencies and the Musical Sublime
Sean Rafferty discusses his lifelong love of classical music with Joanna Lumley and Stephen. They also touch on learning music, the Irish arts scene, and handling emergencies during live broadcasts.
- DA-DA-DA-DAAAAAHHHHHH
Joanna Lumley and Stephen answer listener questions about classical music, discussing hypothetical musical identities, advice on collecting CDs and vinyl, and the merits of Beethoven's 5th Symphony.
- The Art of the Possible: Musicals, Shows and Operas…
Joanna Lumley and Stephen explore the differences between popular musicals and opera, questioning why opera doesn't achieve the same level of widespread success. They also discuss how directors push creative boundaries to achieve impressiv…
- We All Love a Disaster
In 'We All Love a Disaster,' Joanna Lumley and Stephen discuss embarrassing moments that can happen to a conductor, such as wardrobe malfunctions or falling asleep during a performance. They also invite listeners to send in their questions.
- Arnold Schoenberg: The Man who Changed Music
This episode delves into the musical innovations of Arnold Schoenberg, examining his controversial use of atonality and its lasting impact on 20th-century music and composers like Tippet, Turnage, Weir, and Maxwell Davies.
- Virgins, Nicknames & How To Train Your Maestro…
In this episode, Joanna Lumley and Stephen address listener questions about opera nicknames and how to begin exploring opera. Stephen also explains the process of becoming a Maestro.
- Turning the Tables: Joanna’s Life as a ‘Moving Target’
In this episode, Joanna Lumley discusses her life and career, including her aspirations to be an actress, the impact of her modeling career, and her favorite role as Hedda Gabler. She also shares why she will continue to wear makeup and wh…
- Stick Or No Stick, Deadly Composers & Interpreting The Score
This episode delves into the life of 16th century composer Carlo Gesualdo, known for his potential homicides, and discusses the interpretation of musical scores and the role of the conductor.
- Stripping The Score
Joanna Lumley and Stephen deconstruct Richard Strauss’ monumental opera, Salome. They explore how a conductor deciphers individual musical parts and melodies from a full opera score, referencing a notable
- Sex, Death & Pythagoras?
Joanna Lumley and Stephen Stephen explore musical choices for their wedding, the common theme of death in opera, and the influence of Pythagoras on music.
- Anthems
This episode discusses national anthems, exploring the diverse and sometimes surprising meanings behind them. Joanna Lumley and Stephen share the stories behind anthems from Japan, France, and New Zealand.
- Your Questions: Patsy, Broken Batons & The Future Of Conductors
In this mini episode of Joanna Lumley & The Maestro, the hosts answer listener questions covering topics such as Patsy, broken batons, and the future of conductors.
- Ade Edmondson: Learning Lines, The A303 and Being Forced to Listen to Classical Music
Ade Edmondson joins Joanna and Stephen to discuss his complex relationship with classical music, his approach to learning instruments, and his father's opinions on Led Zeppelin. The episode also touches on Ade's own music-making experience…