Kicking off with the worst classical music jokes we could find, Linton and Gillian dive into the hidden humour of the classical world — from Haydn’s cheeky Surprise Symphony to Ravel’s mischievous opera L’enfant et les sortilèges.

Q: Why did the pianist keep banging her head against the keys?

A: Because she was playing by ear.

(We’re sorry. It only gets slightly better from here.)

Expect orchestral pranks, singing teacups, and musical punchlines you didn’t see coming. But it's not all laughs — our hosts also unpack how humour intersects with performance, culture, and the sometimes tricky territory of what was funny then vs. now.

Key takeaways:

• Classical music can have a wacky side that often surprises us with humour and playfulness, just like that unexpected punchline in a bad dad joke.
• Haydn's Symphony No. 94, famously known as the Surprise Symphony, is a perfect example of how classical music can throw in a cheeky twist that catches listeners off guard, making us chuckle in our seats.
• Ravel’s opera, 'L'Enfant et les Sortilèges', showcases a whimsical world where inanimate objects come to life, proving that classical music can be both visually and musically hilarious at the same time.
• Classical music can transcend the serious label it's often given, revealing its potential for laughter and joy, and encouraging us to open our minds to its comedic elements.
• By exploring pieces like Haydn’s and Ravel’s works, we discover that humour in classical music isn't just a modern invention; it's been sneaking into compositions for centuries, waiting for us to find it.
• The discussion highlights how knowing the context of a piece can enhance our appreciation of its humour, transforming a simple melody into a delightful journey of wit and charm.

Episode highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:17 The worst classical music jokes

07:26 Exploring humour in classical music

09:39 The origins of Colette's libretto and Ravel's adaptation

30:17 The Genius of Haydn: humour in classical music

37:41 Closing thoughts and farewell

Featured works

• Surprise Symphony (1791) Joseph Haydn
• L’enfant et Les Sortileges (1925) Maurice Ravel

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Credits

Produced by Connor Gani

Executive Producers Emily Dicks and Phil Smith

Sound Mix by Solomon King

A Reduced Listening production for Southbank Centre