P.D.Q. Bach in Houston: We Have a Problem! (FULL)

In the year 2000 I walked out of my apartment building onto West End Avenue in New York City. Passing by was a husky gentleman, dressed all in black, wearing construction boots and galumphing along the sidewalk. Well there was no mistaking - and I called out "Good afternoon, Professor!" He stopped, slowly turned - and with that impish look immediately greeted me cordially. We spoke for about 10 minutes - and he could not have been more patient, good-humored and generous. My wife and I never missed any of his Carnegie Hall appearances. We mourn Dr. Schickelet's passing. Thanks for the memories, Professor.

I saw PDQ Bach at BGSU- live! He was late, and as the Refund was offered, PDQ burst through Balcony doors, hooked himself up to high-tension line, slid down to the stage, crashing through the stands! The Orchestra scattered..

Peter was certainly the greatest musical genius ever to have emerged from southern North Dakota.

I'm sad to learn of his passing! Our chorus, Phoenix Women's Chorus, has done some of his wonderful choral compositions and our audiences love it. It's been such a joy to introduce his talent to so many people who have never heard of him. I saw him many years ago in a solo engagement in Milwaukee, where he performed with many of his 'custom' instruments. I took my daughters and they have never forgotten that performance. We will miss his humor and talent!

RIP, Peter. Thanks for all the wonderful music and laughs.

Amazing that he still does that fabulous rope schtick after all these years!

I was him perform in Hartford twice. I'll never forget the response of the two ladies behind me who apparently were expecting a traditional symphony performance when the good doctor threw a rope over the balcony and shinnied down to the stage. Priceless. I just now read of his passing. He was such a great performer and musician in his own right. But his humor is what will stick with me. I still can't listen to Beethoven's fifth without thinking of the sportcast.

I looked up PDQ on Wikipedia and saw that he passed away on the 16th January 2024. This is the first time I’ve heard him. God bless him and his family. Thank you for sharing this video.

Pure, unadulterated silliness. And for all you music snobs, humor is a perfectlly legitimate genre of composition.. 🤣

Schickele. I had the joy of being able to attend his presentations for decades of Christmas seasons in NYC: Town Hall, Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher, and have sung those madcap Christmas carols with great glee. R.I.P. Professor.

I had the distinct pleasure of being a student of Dr Robert J Dietze, who was Peter's first college music professor. Dr Dietze was a big fan of his student Peter. He often quoted Peter's aphorisms regarding composition, and what made PDQ Bach such a great, although little known composer and relative of JS Bach. That was back in 1970 and it warms my heart that this stuff is still being played, and Peter's brand of comedy and music is still being enjoyed by music lovers all over the world. I gather by some of the comments that Peter has gone on to the big PDQ Bach orchestra in the sky. Thanks for your contribution to our musical lives Peter Schickele.

I couldn't be more saddened at Peter Schickele's passing. Fantastic talent.

I just found this. I saw Prof. Schickele years ago. He brought life to my love of classical music which is very much alive today. I am putting together a classical concert tomorrow. Rest in peace my friend.

So 1,000 subcribers, apparently. I know this is very cliché, but I seriously never though I'd achieve this milestone. However, I must be doing something right, otherwise how else would I be here? Also, I am so grateful to the 1,000 people who still love P.D.Q. Bach even to this day. Thank you all so much for encouraging me - this is my present to you. Edit: how the hell did this get over 100,000 views?

I saw PDQ Bach in Houston when he was just starting out, and shall miss him.

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing. We played "The Unbegun Symphony" in Full Orchestra back in '76 at Grants Pass High in Oregon. Our conductor, the late David O'dell had previously seen this concert, and he gave us the "blow-by-blow" description during our rehearsals. It is a pleasure to finally see the production.

Interesting info...In 1971 or 1972, I was dating a girl who played in the University of Buffalo student band. She was a French Horn player (played the English Horn when marching) and was taking French Horn lessons from a horn player in the Buffalo Philharmonic. She described him as very stern and having a very serious personality. Peter Schickele did a concert in Buffalo that we attended. When they played the Schleptet and her instructor fell off his chair, she visibly and audibly gasped. She asked him about how everything worked and he said that Professor Schickele would send the music two or three days before the concert and the orchestra was told to try to be serious and keep a straight face. PDQ concerts required professional musicians to pull off the complicated works. The instructor was reluctant at first to do the fall, but urged by other members of the orchestra, realized that it was all in fun and to let himself go. The orchestra had a great time and absolutely loved playing the concert.

To me, "Professor Schickele" was always "Mr. Schickele" or "Matt's Dad." I was friends (heavy acquaintance?) with his kids, Matt and Karla back in Brooklyn where I grew up. They had the most fun house; a big old Brownstone, full of instruments, tons of colorful Folk stuff, lots of REAL 1960's Hippie regalia. They also had a cool place up in Woodstock. I was lucky enough to see a couple of his shows at the local Academy (BAM) and I thought we was about the coolest father anyone could ever have. Probably because he was... Anyway, I have lost touch with Matt and Karla over the years, but my love and energy go out to them today. What an incredible human being, talent, soul, family and life. Bravo, all. -Noel "Chris" Derecki

Carnegie Hall, New Year's Eve 1980 will always be one of the best musical memories of my life. Thank you Peter!

Gerrod Pagenkopf really nailed the bargain countertenor voice(a PDQ Bach specialty) with Iphigenia in Brooklyn!