Joanna Lumley & The Maestro

Bauer Media

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 Maestro, providing the answers. Who was better: Mozart or Beethoven? Why do certain pieces of music make us feel a certain way? What do conductors actually do? They also discuss the great composers and symphonies, and the often-remarkable stories behind them, all delivered in Joanna and Stephen’s unique, engaging and affectionate way. Maybe you think classical music isn’t for you? Or you know a little and want to know more? Or perhaps it's been a lifetime love? Regardless, you definitely need to meet Joanna & The Maestro. read less

Our Editor's Take

Joanna Lumley & The Maestro explores the couple's shared love of music through Lumley's curiosity. She married "the maestro" Stephen Barlow in 1986. He's a renowned pianist, conductor, and composer whose work includes the opera King.

Music intrigues Lumley. She's spent her whole marriage asking Barlow about it. Lumley's fans need not worry that she's never the topic. The acclaimed English actress, host, author, producer, and activist discusses her extraordinary life. Barlow even interviews her on the podcast. Lumley is a UK Dame after all, and the award-winning star of Absolutely Fabulous. The fascinating couple invites listeners to their thoughtful, humorous conversations.

Joanna Lumley & The Maestro explains that "maestro" is a formal designation for conductors. Barlow doesn't call himself maestro, but his friends (and likely his contemporaries) do. Lumley asks Barlow to define conductors' jobs. Can't talented musicians play without direction? Are conductors being theatrical?

Barlow explains why conducting is essential. He plays "Worthy is The Lamb" from George Handel's Messiah. Podcast listeners hear hundreds of instruments at once. Conductors control tempo. Markings like "andante" (walking pace) have varied interpretations. Barlow plays a metronome at 152 beats per minute to demonstrate. He slows it to 120. Barlow says that's a popular speed for techno music in clubs. Lumley offers a funny response.

The couple debates composers. Barlow prefers Mozart. Lumley prefers Beethoven. She questions whether Bach was best. Barlow replies without delay. They reveal their favorite singers and the songs they'll never forget.

Barlow's ears stay filled with "earworms." He defines "round" voices including Doris Day's and Matt Monro's. The couple reminisces about childhood. Hers featured Mozart playing from a wind-up gramophone. His work included inventing sounds on his grandparents' pedal harmonium.

The podcast also has many celebrity guests. They ask Bradley Cooper about conducting imaginary orchestras. He kept his baton through college. Carey Mulligan recalls hearing Vivaldi's Four Seasons as a child. It sounded like someone reading her a story.