Peter Schickele Cause of Death and Obituary: What Happened to American Music Composer?
Peter Schickele, a versatile and prolific composer who delighted audiences with his humorous musical alter ego P.D.Q. Bach, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at his home in Bearsville, New York. He was 88 years old.
His daughter, Karla Schickele, confirmed his death and said that his health had declined after a series of infections last fall.
Who was Peter Schickele?
Peter Schickele was born on July 17, 1935, in Ames, Iowa, to immigrant parents from Germany and Switzerland. He grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, where he studied composition with Sigvald Thompson, the conductor of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra.
He attended Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where he majored in music and met his future wife, Susan Sindall, a dancer and choreographer. He then earned a master’s degree from the Juilliard School in New York, where he studied with Roy Harris, Vincent Persichetti, and William Bergsma.
Schickele began his career as a composer of serious concert music in the 1950s, writing symphonic, choral, solo instrumental, and chamber works. He also composed music for films, such as the sci-fi cult classic “Silent Running” (1972), and for Broadway shows, such as “Oh! Calcutta!” (1969), for which he received a Grammy nomination.
He collaborated with several folk musicians, such as Joan Baez, for whom he arranged three albums in the late 1960s. He also hosted a radio program on NPR called “Schickele Mix” from 1992 to 1999, which explored various aspects of music history and theory.
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However, Schickele was best known for his comic musical persona, P.D.Q. Bach, a fictional relative of the famous Johann Sebastian Bach. Schickele claimed to have discovered the long-lost works of P.D.Q. Bach, who was described as “the last and certainly the least of the great Bach family.”
P.D.Q. Bach’s compositions were parodies of Baroque and Classical music conventions, full of absurd titles, hilarious lyrics, bizarre instruments, and musical jokes. Schickele performed these works in live concerts, often involving slapstick comedy and audience participation. He also released 17 albums as P.D.Q. Bach, winning four Grammy awards for Best Comedy Album.
Schickele’s humor was not only aimed at mocking the pretentiousness of classical music culture, but also at celebrating its beauty and diversity. He once said, “I love classical music, and I want other people to love it, too. And one way to get people to love it is to make them laugh at it and with it.”
A legacy of laughter and creativity
Peter Schickele is survived by his wife, Susan Sindall, his daughter, Karla Schickele, and his son, Matt Schickele, who are also musicians and composers. He also leaves behind a large fan base who appreciated his unique blend of music and humor.
Many tributes have poured in from his colleagues and admirers, who praised his talent, originality, and influence. Here are some of the messages that were posted on social media:
RIP the great Peter Schickele (July 17, 1935 – January 16, 2024) — composer, music educator, humorist, discoverer and champion of of P.D.Q. Bach. An early and profound influence on my own approach to musical humor.#music #classicalmusic #Bach pic.twitter.com/rAZLjGjuQN
— David W. Barber (@bachbeethoven) January 18, 2024
“Sad to learn of the death of Peter. I played this album to death as soon as I could afford a stereo.”
“Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Peter Schickele. He wrote many comedic (and non-comedic!) pieces of music, but one of my favourites will always be Gretchen am Spincycle.”
“RIP the great Schickele (July 17, 1935 – January 16, 2024) — composer, music educator, humorist, discoverer and champion of of P.D.Q. Bach. An early and profound influence on my own approach to musical humor.”
Peter Schickele was a rare artist who could make people laugh and think at the same time. He enriched the world of music with his creativity, wit, and passion. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace, Peter.
