Imagine a world without cell phones, chocolate martinis and Paris Hilton.  That’s what it was like in 1965, when the first public, above-ground, government-sanctioned (although not encouraged) P.D.Q. Bach concert took place.  The good Professor is now offering a NEW AND HILARIOUS orchestral program featuring a tackily-staged rendition of one of the musical midget’s dramatic works, A Little Nightmare Music (an opera in one irrevocable act).  Also included are two different pieces from “The Civilian Barber”—the Perückenstück (Hairpiece) and the Suite, with its inimitable Polizeipośaune (police trombone) solos—as well as Eine Kleine Kiddiemusik for a roomful of toys and orchestra.  The Professor’s “Unbegun” Symphony, containing no—count them, zero—original melodies, will root the program in the masterpieces of Western music from which the Professor cribbed. A Little Nightmare Music features Prof. Schickele in the role of Mozart’s rival Antonio Salieri, David Düsing as a mysterious playwright, and Michèle Eaton playing none other than P.D.Q. Bach himself.  The three of them also sing a few P.D.Q. Bach rounds and other Odden und Enden. This remarkable milestone in music is available for performances with symphony orchestras around the country.  See the main Concert Tours page for details and this and other P.D.Q. Bach concert programs.

 

Audio Sample Suite from “The Civilian Barber” (excerpts) Listen to a sample of one of the pieces on the program, as found on the Vanguard recording P.D.Q. Bach:  Music You Can’t Get Out Of Your Head.   The excerpts are from the following movements of the Suite from “The Civilian Barber”:  Her majesty’s minuet, His majesty’s minuet, Entrance of the dragoons (in that order), copyright 1982 Vanguard Records.  Used by permission. Audio Samples can be played using the free RealAudio player.