Morning Music is an exciting new CD featuring the never before recorded piano works by remarkable composer Peter Schickele and the one and only P.D.Q. Bach.
This is a unique collection of piano works, ranging from the composer’s stunning settings of American folk song and hymns, a “snap shot” of a classical-style Sonatina, to tangos, blues and a cool riff — a nod to pop music and early Beatles. Morning Music was recorded by pianist Laura Leon and released on the Musical Tapestries Inc. label.
Schickele, an Upper West Sider, is best known for creating P.D.Q. Bach, Bach’s fictitious “only forgotten son.” But he is also recognized internationally as one of the most versatile artists in the music field.
A five-time Grammy award-winning composer, Schickele will celebrate his 80th birthday this year, which also marks the 50th anniversary of his “discovery” of P.D.Q. Bach. Schickele’s has composed more than 100 pieces, including orchestral, choral and chamber works, as well as music for movie and television. He wrote the musical score for the film version of Maurice Sendak’s children’s classic “Where the Wild Things Are” and arranged segments for Disney’s “Fantasia 2000.”
The pieces on Morning Music include a wide array of styles and evoke different emotions — some are delightful and clever, some are more poignant. Much of it is influenced by Schickele’s deep love of folk tunes and popular music, along with classical styles and dance rhythms. He brings it all into the contemporary classical realm with finesse and sensitivity. Pianist Blair McMillen of the internationally acclaimed Da Capo Chamber Players joins Laura on the recording in two piano duets, including the title track Morning Music, a “raga-like exotic sunrise-inspired string of musical beads.”
And yes, P.D.Q. Bach (1807-1742?) is well represented here: “Goldbrick” Variations, P.D.Q.’s attempt to cash in on “his father’s” (J.S. Bach’s) fame and renowned Goldberg Variations. Hoping to keep players and listeners’ attention, P.D.Q. Bach reversed theme and variations-including a Variation titled “presto Changio!” Also, P.D.Q. Bach’s very early work Three Teeny Preludes S. .001 — with a surprise jazz twist at the end of each.
Produced and recorded by Grammy award-winning classical producer, Adam Abeshouse, Morning Music received an award from the Classical Recording Foundation. It is available on iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby.
Peter Schickele and P.D.Q. Bach changed the world’s musical landscape and continues to enlighten it for musicians and music lovers!
