Classical music is often unfairly perceived as elitist, and this stifling reputation is taking its toll. These six podcasts aim to take the mystery out of the genre and bring back the entertainment factor, combining lively conversations and personal narratives with expert analysis, history and selections from the music itself.
This long-running series bills itself as “a classical music podcast for everyone,” approaching the genre as a source of joy and entertainment rather than a worthy cultural endeavor. The host, Joshua Weilerstein, is chief conductor of the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Orchester National de Lille, and his infectious enthusiasm permeates the show as he focuses on one composer, piece or musical movement in each episode. There is also much for experts to enjoy, including detailed structural analyzes of specific symphonies and the historical context behind them, and insightful interviews with fellow conductors, composers, and musicians.
Opening episode: “Handel's Messiah with Aram Demirjian”
Many people are exposed to symphonic music through film scores and it can be a gateway to further exploration. Across 36 episodes, this Australian podcast delves into the scores of some of the most acclaimed films and box office hits, including “Jurassic Park,” “Vertigo,” and multiple “Star Wars” installments. It is presented by a trio of experts: Andrew Pogson, producer, director and jazz musician; Nicholas Buc, composer and conductor, and Dan Golding, composer and academic. The three men deconstruct the themes, orchestration, and narrative context of each score in fascinating detail. Some episodes expand the exposition to explore television shows (“Stranger Things”), video games (Journey), and even the overlooked (but surprisingly nuanced) stories behind Hollywood studio fanfare—the familiar explosions that sound over the logos of 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, and others at the beginning of movies.
Opening episode: “Episode 25: 'Blade Runner'”
British actress Joanna Lumley, best known for co-starring in the long-running comedy “Absolutely Fabulous,” has been married to director and composer Stephen Barlow since 1986. In this charming and insightful series, the couple share relaxed conversations about their love of classical music, often accompanied by celebrity guests such as Stephen Fry, Carey Mulligan and Bradley Cooper. Lumley takes on the role of the enthusiastic fan, often posing questions to Barlow about specific composers, pieces, or dilemmas (such as which musical note you couldn't live without).
