So, Hear Me Out: Can classical music be funny?

In the first episode of our new classical music podcast series, So Hear Me Out, hosts Gillian Moore and Linton Stephens are exploring classical music’s humorous side.

Starting with some frankly terrible classical music jokes (yes, sadly, there’s more where that first one came from) the pair dive into the hidden humour of the classical music world, with a particular focus on Haydn’s cheeky Surprise Symphony and Ravel’s mischievous opera L’enfant et les sortilèges.

Moore and Stephens also touch on orchestral pranks, singing teacups, and musical punchlines you didn’t see coming. But it’s not all jokes, bad or good. They also unpack the sometimes tricky territory of what was once funny, not striking the same notes with a modern audience.

Listen now for an insight into classical music’s lighter side, and a handful of ‘dad jokes’ to keep handy for the next family get together.

‘Haydn had a real sense of theatre and drama in music, and I don’t think he’s always given credit for it’

Gillian Moore

Be sure not to miss future episodes of So Hear Me Out by subscribing now via Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcast fix.