Amazon.comFor years best known as the satirist behind the much-loved, fictitious composer P.D.Q. Bach, Peter Schickele has been composing serious music throughout his long career. This disc comprises three of his chamber pieces, performed by the Lark Quartet. Schickele has worked with the Lark on numerous occasions and to good effect: all worthy new music deserves the level of artistic commitment and attention to detail that the group lavishes on these works. The music itself is pleasing and often light. It's approachable and easy to take in on first hearing. Schickele patches together and intriguingly juxtaposes many familiar elements, from Brahmsian romanticism to the special effects employed by America's leading minimalists. --Gwendolyn Freed