Music for an Awful Lot of Winds and Percussion

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Free Music Notes for Music for an Awful Lot of Winds and Percussion

Free Music Review: The consummate Schicekle
Hit: 5 Stars

When my wife gave this to me for Christmas, I turned it on and thought it was a live performance, like the first albums--and like the Schickele performances we've happily attended. It took a few seconds to realize that it was a mock performance, of the Turtle Mountain Naval Base Tactical Wind Ensemble (who are also, as announced by Professor Schickele, busy protecting North Dakota from naval attack, a clever comment making the CD all the more worth it!) at a convenient North Dakota location.

As a Wagnerian, I was attracted to "Last Tango in Beyreuth," the last musical number on the CD. If I may paraphrase Schickele's statement of a long time ago, when you listen to it, be prepared to hear things you've heard before (PDQ's real talent having been in plagiarism, after all.)

And, since Schickele was a bassoon major, it's amusing that he picks on that instrument--for perhaps the best piece ever composed for bassoon and tuba. Then there are the pieces by the Tennessee Bassoon Quartet, an ensemble for which there are surely limited venues...

I heard one of PDQ's other numbers, Concerto for Two Piano's vs. Orchestra a few years ago. Schickele gave an hysterical historical presentation on that piece. I talked with him about it afterwards and suggested that too be put onto a CD. He said in essence that the market may not have room for it these days; renouned violinists and pianists are not sellable these days. That's distressing as Schickele's comedy form is beyond genius, and unique. So, while you can, listen to what's available. This is a gem!

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