Pianist and composer John Wolf Brennan’s masterwork is an adaptation for theatre that is based upon the writings of Wenedict Yerofeyev’s “Moskau-Petuschki” and Robert Walser’s “Felix-Szenen.” The first section features 22 tracks that chronicle Yerofeyev’s oeuvre and opus magnum: a tone poem of drinking and of human pursuit. Brennan’s uses violinist Tscho Theissing, Martin Mayes on French horn and hand horn, Daniele Patumi on double bass, and the voices of Liana Schwanja and Oscar Bingisse to chronicle the dark side of alcoholism and tirades of the protagonist. Brennan brings this exceptional masterpiece to fruition in his distinctive atonal style that is wholly improvised. “Felix-Szenen” are fragmented, loosely connected stories with an indistinctive plot that Brennan fuses together through the highly distinctive techniques of Marion Namestnik on violin, Lars Lindvall on flugelhorn and trumpet, himself on melodica and piano and Daniele Patumi on double bass. This section of musical art features 13 tracks that are like different facets of the protagonist’s microcosm, each presenting a different angle to Walser’s obsession. Brennan is a master of conceptional improvisation and clearly juxtaposes his avant-garde vision on these 20th century classic writings with confidence and musical integrity. – Paula Edelstein
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