Peter Schickele Obituary – Death: ‘P.D.Q. Bach’ Parodist And Film/Broadway Composer Passed Away At 88
Peter Schickele, a versatile composer known for his humorous takes on classical music, passed away at the age of 88 at his residence in Bearsville, N.Y. His daughter confirmed the news, citing a series of infections as the cause of his declining health.
Schickele received recognition for his comedic talents by winning the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for four consecutive years (1990-1994) and again in 2000 for Best Classical Crossover album.
As a composer, he sought to infuse classical music with humor, drawing inspiration from entertainers like Victor Borge. Some of his notable compositions include the No-No Nonette, the cantata Iphigenia in Brooklyn, the Unbegun Symphony, and Pervertimento for Bagpipes, Bicycle, and Balloons.
Schickele humorously claimed to have uncovered the works of the 18th-century composer P.D.Q. Bach, purportedly the least-known son of Johann Sebastian Bach. He asserted to have found these compositions in unconventional places, including taverns frequented by the imaginary composer.
Beyond his comedic persona, Schickele achieved success as a serious composer with over 100 symphonic, choral, solo instrumental, and chamber works. His compositions were performed by renowned groups such as the New York Philharmonic and the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as folk singers Joan Baez and Buffy Sainte-Marie.
In addition to his P.D.Q. Bach recordings, Schickele wrote film scores, including the 1972 science fiction film Silent Running. He collaborated on Broadway, contributing songs to the revue Oh! Calcutta!
Survivors include his wife, a daughter named Karla, a son named Matthew, and two grandsons.