The Short-Tempered Clavier and other dysfunctional works for keyboard
Peter Schickele · 1995
71 min · 29 tracks · opera
A whimsical blend of classical piano and satirical compositions that playfully challenges traditional keyboard music conventions.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Short-Tempered Clavier: I. C major — This opening track introduces the album's central theme of playful dysfunction, setting the tone with its quirky melodies and unexpected turns.
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Sonata Da Circo (Circus Sonata) (S. 3.ring): II. Entrada Grande — The exuberant energy in this piece captures the circus atmosphere Schickele aims to evoke, demonstrating his skill in merging humor with musical structure.
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Little Pickle Book (S. 6): III. Fantasia sopra "Fräulein Maria Mack" — This track cleverly reinterprets a familiar tune while infusing it with Schickele's characteristic whimsy, showcasing his inventive approach to arrangements.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful explorations of musical quirks
- short bursts of whimsical energy
- lighthearted moments of satirical humor
- varied compositions for curious listeners
Maybe skip if you
- seek straightforward, serious music
- prefer longer, cohesive pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon the release of this album in 1995, Peter Schickele was already renowned for his comedic alter ego P.D.Q. Bach. This work marks a continuation of his innovative approach to classical music, following his previous successful projects that established him as a distinctive voice in the genre. The album showcases Schickele's ongoing commitment to blending humor with virtuosity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Bernstein· Igor Stravinsky· Carl Orff
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Opening & Introduction 4:51
- 2 The Short-Tempered Clavier: I. C major 2:47
- 3 The Short-Tempered Clavier: II. C minor 1:50
- 4 The Short-Tempered Clavier: III. C-sharp major 3:36
- 5 The Short-Tempered Clavier: IV. D major 1:33
- 6 The Short-Tempered Clavier: V. D minor 2:27
- 7 The Short-Tempered Clavier: VI. E-flat major 2:19
- 8 The Short-Tempered Clavier: VII. F major 4:02
- 9 The Short-Tempered Clavier: VIII. G minor 2:03
- 10 The Short-Tempered Clavier: IX. G major 2:34
- 11 The Short-Tempered Clavier: X. A major 3:38
- 12 The Short-Tempered Clavier: XI. A minor 1:39
- 13 The Short-Tempered Clavier: XII. B-flat major 3:13
- 14 Introduction 3:17
- 15 Little Pickle Book (S. 6): I. Toccata et Fuga Obnoxia 3:55
- 16 Little Pickle Book (S. 6): II. Chorale Prelude (Ave Maria et Agnus Dei) 1:50
- 17 Little Pickle Book (S. 6): III. Fantasia sopra "Fräulein Maria Mack" 1:36
- 18 Little Pickle Book (S. 6): IV. Lullaby and Goodnight 2:41
- 19 Introduction 1:17
- 20 Sonata Da Circo (Circus Sonata) (S. 3.ring): I. Spiel Vorspiel 2:34
- 21 Sonata Da Circo (Circus Sonata) (S. 3.ring): II. Entrada Grande 3:08
- 22 Sonata Da Circo (Circus Sonata) (S. 3.ring): III. Smokski the Russian Bear 1:24
- 23 Sonata Da Circo (Circus Sonata) (S. 3.ring): IV. Toccata Ecdysiastica 1:35
- 24 Sonata Da Circo (Circus Sonata) (S. 3.ring): Calliope Frustration 0:26
- 25 Introduction 1:08
- 26 Three Chorale-Based Piecelets (S. III): I. Chorale: "Orally" 2:04
- 27 Three Chorale-Based Piecelets (S. III): II. Chorale Prelude on an American Hymn for the Last Sunday Before the Fourth Day of the Seventh Month After New Year's Eve 1:26
- 28 Three Chorale-Based Piecelets (S. III): III. Chorale Variations on "In der Nacht so Hell, der Petrus istmein Freund" 5:25
- 29 Epilogue 1:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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