Peter Schickele

About the Author

Peter Schickele is a renowned American composer, scholar, and humorist best known for his decades-long creation and performance of music by the fictional composer P.D.Q. Bach, a satirical take on classical music traditions. Born in 1935 in Ames, Iowa, Schickele studied composition at the Juilliard School and began his career blending erudition with irreverent wit, producing concerts, recordings, and books that poke fun at the pretensions of high art. His work has earned him Grammy Awards, a fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and a devoted following among music lovers who appreciate his clever parodies and infectious enthusiasm. Through his alter ego, Schickele has illuminated the absurdities and joys of musical history, making classical music accessible and entertaining for generations.