The Abduction of Figaro

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The Abduction of Figaro, described as "A Simply Grand Opera by P. D. Q. Bach," is actually the work of composer Peter Schickele. It is a parody of opera in general, but is itself a significant musical accomplishment. The title (and, indeed, much of the plot) is a play on two operas by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The Abduction from the Seraglio and The Marriage of Figaro.


Mr. Schickele was commissioned to "discover" the P.D.Q Bach opera by the Minnesota Opera company in Minneapolis where the piece premiered on April 27, 1984. It incorporates everything from traditional camp songs like "Found a Peanut" to "Macho Man" by the Village People.