The composer Peter Schickele died on January 16th.
Driving the news: On January 16th, the legendary composer and humorist Peter Schickele, most well-known under his alias P.D.Q. Bach, died at 88. Schickele won four Grammy awards for Best Comedy Album. His more serious works have been played by organizations including the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra and the Lark Quartet, as well as in films, on Broadway, and by folk singers Joan Baez and Buffy St. Marie.
Catch up: For those too young to remember Schickele’s alter ego, P.D.Q. Bach, P.D.Q. Self-identified as the youngest (and oddest) of Johann Sebastian Bach’s many children. His works include parodies of pieces by Philip Glass, Mozart, Bach, and many others. Other claims to fame include inventing the “dill piccolo” as well as other little-known instruments. PDQ’s works have been performed by an array of groups, including the Boston Pops.Digging deeper: Although Schickele was a renowned comedian, he was a frustrated composer. In 1988, he admitted to being jealous of the fame of his comedic alter-ego. In honour of his recent death, why not listen to both sides of Schickele.
Digging deeper: Although Schickele was a renowned comedian, he was a frustrated composer. In 1988, he admitted to being jealous of the fame of his comedic alter-ego. In honour of his recent death, why not listen to both sides of Schickele.
