Music Blog: PDQ Bach, Junior

The Legend lives on

Don’t worry. I’m still doing the AMAs. But it’s spiraled. What doesn’t? However, there are a few cute bits of business that I’ve tripped over on the internet. And there are a few bits coming up that are time sensitive.

This is something that I’ve enjoyed and would like to share with y’all.

I grew up in my household with the music Professor Peter Schickele, the creator of PDQ Bach—21st of JS Bach’s 20 children. The results? He had more than a few comedy chops under his belt. And his music was pure comedy gold. If you don’t know who he is, this is a good sample.

If that conductor looks familiar? Why, yes, the conductor is John Williams.

It’s long, but if you don’t know him, you may want to try it.

Something shorter is his Panther Dance.

Heh heh heh.

Professor Peter Schickele died in 2024. Like many comedians, he died at the age of 88, because he who laughs, lasts.

Anyway, I bring up Peter Schickele because I tripped over the next generation. And surprise surprise, it’s another music professor who likes to do cute things to music.

I’m not sure which one I like better. I’m only annoyed that he doesn’t do longer clips of music.

For example, there’s “House of the Rising Sun” … as done in Chinese festival style.

And then there’s this party trick. Taking very specific children’s melodies and turning them into spy themes.

If you don’t believe me:

Apparently, this fellow (don’t ask me to give you his name, I’d have to dig) grew up in Japan. Giving us this little masterpiece.

Finally, there is this. And I love it. Heh.

Again, feel free to ask me anything in the comments. If you get an email, you can ping me through the comment button at the top.

And please, feel free to buy a book, or leave a book review. Either would be greatly appreciated.