wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Soundcheck

Monday, December 22, 2003
  • Peter Schickele

    Seriously Funny

    It is a truism that the classical-music world takes itself seriously -- perhaps too seriously at times. But there is also a knack for self-effacing humor in classical circles, and composer and parodist Peter Schickele has literally made his name by poking fun at the sobriety of the concert world. As alter-ego P.D.Q. Bach, he is in New York this week to lead performances of his "Safe" Sextet, the "Unbegun" Symphony and his “Variations on an Unusually Simple-Minded theme.” He stops by for a preview today on Soundcheck. For a different brand of musical theater, we’re joined by the creators of “Best of Both Worlds,” a new gospel and R&B-styled retelling of Shakespeare's “A Winter's Tale.” The show, which is taking place this week at Club El Flamingo, is a follow up to the hit musical, “The Donkey Show” (A Midsummer Night's Disco).

Additional Resources:
  • More about Club El Flamingo
  • More about Peter Schickele
  • The Ill Effects of Urban Noise

    Soundcheck

    Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.