Musinfo: Composers

Brennan John Wolf

(13. 02. 1954)

Brennan John Wolf
Hofmattstr. 5
CH-6353 Weggis (LU)
Schweiz

Tel: +41 (0)41 390 27 77

www.cmc.ie/composers/brennan.html
www.brennan.ch
www.pagolibre.com

Genre: Classical Music

Professional activity: Composers, Improvisers, Interpreters

Biography

* 13. 02. 1954 Dublin IRL.

He studied piano at Lucerne Conservatory under Eva Serman, and attended master classes in composition headed by James Wilson, Karl Berger, Ennio Morricone, Edison Denisov, Klaus Huber and Heinz Holliger. His musical career has followed various paths through improvisation, jazz and contemporary music. He writes music for theatre, as well as for pedagogical and choreographic purposes. As a pianist he has performed with numerous contemporary jazz groups including the quartet 'Pago Libre', Robert Dick, Evan Parker, Julie Tippetts, Gene Coleman, Margrit Rieben, Hans Kennel, and Christian Wolfarth. He also gives regular solo concerts: 'The Well-Prepared Clavier'; 'Text, Context, Co-Text & Co-Co-Text'. He has toured throughout Europe, Russia, Japan, USA and Canada. He is a member of the composers group 'Groupe Lacroix'.

Work list

Treiblinge, op. 16 (1982)

13 pieces

Instrumentation: for piano

Duration: 20' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Larice e Pratolina, op. 15 (1982)

A fairy tale for piano

Duration: 4' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Bestiarium, op. 51 (1983-1990)

13 Paino songs

Instrumentation: for high voice and piano

Texts: Otto Höschle, Christian Morgenstern

Based on texts by Otto Höschle and Christian Morgenstern.

Duration: 23' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Capriccio, op. 55 (1990)

A concert piece

Instrumentation: for piano

Duration: 5' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Omega, op. 71m (1990)

Instrumentation: for piano solo

Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript

Tau 2, op. 71n (1990)

Instrumentation: for piano solo

Duration: 2' 00"
Manuscript

Tau 3, op. 71o (1990)

Instrumentation: for piano solo

Duration: 1' 00"
Manuscript

SprüchGägeSprüch, op. 72 (1991)

Instrumentation: for two mixed choirs, string quartet and percussion

Texts: Heinrich Ineichen

A dialectical cantata.

Duration: 26' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Xednindex, op. 71p (1991)

Instrumentation: for piano solo and MIDI piano

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Tangoneòn, op. 85 (1991)

Instrumentation: for eleven musicains (1.1.1.1.asx/0.0.0.0/pf.cel.hp/xyl/1.0.1.0)

Rubato malinconico - Confusione - Con moto, appassionata.

Duration: 16' 00"
Manuscript

Drei ver-flix-te Flötenstücke, op. 11, 45, 49 (1980-1992)

1. Flix, op. 11 (Vivace): 1980 (1')2. Espaces, op. 49 (Lyrical): 1987 (3')3. Phlyx, op. 45 (Agitato): 1986/92 (6')

Duration: 10' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Happy Birthday Variationen, op. 95 (1992)

Instrumentation: for piano

Nine variations in the styles of old and new masters, from Bach to Satie and Pärt.

Duration: 10' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Twelfth Night, op. 77 (1992)

Instrumentation: for saxophone quartet

Six songs: a prelude and five intermezzi.

Duration: 15' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Pat me too, op. 99d (1992)

Instrumentation: for guitar, double bass, piano and percussion

Duration: 6' 00"
Manuscript

Sonata Pentatonica, op. 94 (1992-1993)

Instrumentation: for piano

Allegretto lirico - Adagio grottesco - Allegro ritmico.

Duration: 15' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Frictions, op. 104 (1993)

Instrumentation: for flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone and string trio

Duration: 12' 00"
Manuscript

Atanos, op. 103 (1993)

Trio

Instrumentation: for alto saxophone, piano and double-bass

Volcanic Instability - Hysterical Waltz - Lyrical Cantilena.

Duration: 12' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Morgenstern hat Gold im Mund, op. 109 (1987-1994)

Instrumentation: for mixed a-cappella choir

Texts: Christian Morgenstern

A choral approximation of the 'Galgenlieder' (gallows songs) by Christian Morgenstern (1871-1914).

Duration: 22' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Pandämonium, op. 107 (1994)

Instrumentation: for organ solo

Duration: 7' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Diálogos, op. 106 (1994)

Instrumentation: for two cellos

Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript

Epithalamium, op. 111 (1994)

Nonet

Instrumentation: for flute (bfl), oboe (ca), clarinet (bcl), violin, viola, violoncello, double-bass, piano and percussion

Based on the poem No. XIII from 'Chamber music' (1907) by James Joyce.

Duration: 18' 00"
Manuscript

A Golly Gal's Way to Galway Bay, op. 120 (1995)

Instrumentation: for flute ensemble (55 flutes or much less...)

Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript

Equilibrio precario (Galliate), op. 114b (1995)

Instrumentation: for violin, horn, piano and double bass

Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript

Asikudaphari, op. 121 (1995)

Monody

Instrumentation: for violin solo

Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript

Alef Bet, op. 127b (1996)

Instrumentation: for oboe, bassoon, piano (alternative score: piano trio)

Conflicting Voices - Unisons? (not really) - Peace Dance (Vivace giocoso).

Duration: 10' 00"
Manuscript

Rhap.s.odie, op. 122 (1996)

Instrumentation: for violin and piano

Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript

Olos, op. 123 (1996)

Instrumentation: for clarinet solo

Shortened version of "Ellybis".

Duration: 5' 00"

Nepomuk Musik Verlag

c/o Breitkopf & Härtel Musikverlag
Walkmühlstrasse 52
D-65195 Wiesbaden
BRD
Tel. +49 (0)611 45 0080
vertrieb@breitkopf.de
www.breitkopf.com

Leave it in Limbo, op. 90 (1996)

Instrumentation: for horn solo

Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript

Nearly Charming, op. 134 (1997)

Octet

Instrumentation: for clarinet, bassoon, horn, string quartet and double-bass

Duration: 10' 00"
Manuscript

Go slow, op. 138, 6 (1997)

Instrumentation: for soprano, trombone, bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, piano and percussion

Texts: Julie Tippetts

Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript

Through the Ear of a Raindrop, op. 138 (1997)

Song cycle

Instrumentation: for soprano, bass clarinet, sax, trombone, piano and percussion

Texts: Paula Meehan, Edgar Allan Poe, Seamus Heaney, Julie Tippetts, Theo Dorgan, William Shakespeare

Duration: 50' 00"
Manuscript

for ED(i)S on ly, op. 142 (1997)

Instrumentation: for oboe, alto saxophone, vibraphone, violin and violoncello

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Das Wohlpräparierte Klavier, op. 136 (1997)

24 movements

Instrumentation: for piano, prepared piano and tape recorder

Duration: 75' 00"
Manuscript

5 Interludien, op. 141 (1997)

To Rachmaninows Chrysostomos Mass

Instrumentation: for organ solo

Duration: 15' 00"
Manuscript

Kyoto, op. 140 (1997)

Instrumentation: for piano solo

Duration: 6' 00"
Manuscript

Fraeschbers Traum, op. 135 (1997)

Instrumentation: for soprano, string trio and bass clarinet

Texts: Arno Schmidt, Oskar Pastior, Eveline Hasler, Peter Rühmkorf

based on texts by Arno Schmidt, Oskar Pastior, Eveline Hasler and Peter Rühmkorf.

Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript

Enticing, op. 148a (1998)

Instrumentation: for horn, violin, double bass and piano

Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript

Heptao, op. 151b (1998)

Instrumentation: for trumpet and organ

Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript

Heptao, op. 148c (1998)

Instrumentation: for horn, violin, double bass and piano

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Kissing Joy (as it flies), op. 151a (1998)

Instrumentation: for trumpet and organ

Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript

Kissing Joy (as it flies), op. 148d (1998)

Instrumentation: for horn, violin, double bass and piano

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Glockenspiel, op. 150 (1998)

24 pieces

Instrumentation: for 27 bells

Duration: 25' 00"
Manuscript

Locrian Locution, op. 151c (1998)

Instrumentation: for trumpet and organ

Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript

Zigfing, op. 149 (1998)

Instrumentation: for two pianos (eight hands)

Duration: 10' 00"
Manuscript

Dance f Kara Ben Nemsi, op. 148b (1998)

Instrumentation: for horn, violin, double bass and piano

Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript

T.N.T. / Twelfth Night Tango, op. 155g (1990-1999)

Instrumentation: for trumpet, tuba and organ

Duration: 4' 00"

Pan Verlag

Gerbergasse 30
CH- 4001 Basel
Schweiz
www.pan-verlag.com/

Schoop Loop, op. 155f (1995-1999)

For Paul Klee

Instrumentation: for trumpet and organ

Duration: 6' 00"
Manuscript

Gravity, op. 155e (1996-1999)

Instrumentation: for trumpet, tuba and organ

Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript

KLA4, op. 161 (1999)

Instrumentation: for two pianos

Duration: 11' 00"
Manuscript

Silly Blooze, op. 162 (1999)

A Solo Piano Blues

Duration: 6' 00"
Manuscript

Klastr, op. 156d (1999)

Instrumentation: for organ

Duration: 2' 00"
Manuscript

N-gl, op. 157 (1999)

Instrumentation: for English horn, bassoon and viola

Based on Paul Klees' ‘Tastender Engel’.

Duration: 11' 00"
Manuscript

Metaterz, op. 156a (1999)

Instrumentation: for organ solo

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Der letzte Ketzer, op. 153 (1999)

"Sulzigjoggeli"

Instrumentation: for mixed choir

Texts: Paul Steinmann

Introductory music for the theatre piece by Paul Steinmann.

Duration: 20' 00"
Manuscript

Subkutan, op. 156b (1999)

Instrumentation: for organ solo

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Arpiade ("Kunigundulakonfigurationen"), op. 158 (1999)

Instrumentation: for mezzo-soprano and piano

Texts: Hans Arp

Text: Hans Arp.

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Another Different Train, op. 156c (1999)

Instrumentation: for organ solo

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Géo métrique ment, op. 166 (2000)

Instrumentation: for piccolo oboe, oboe, English horn and bassoon

Duration: 10' 00"
Manuscript

Sculpted Sound, op. 168 (2000)

Instrumentation: for voice, percussion and piano

Texts: Eugen Gomringer, John Wolf Brennan, Eveline Hasler, André Thomkins, Ernst Jandl, Gerhard Rühm

Duration: 70' 00"
Manuscript

Church Bell(e)s &Singing Birds, op. 173 (2001)

Instrumentation: for piano and tape

Duration: 6' 00"
Manuscript

Hunting Santa Claus (remixed), op. 173, 1 (2001)

Instrumentation: for prepared piano and tape

Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript

London Glockenspiel, op. 173 (2001)

Instrumentation: for glockenspiel

Duration: 23' 00"
Manuscript

Agricultural (Dezi-) Bells: Pumpkinet(h)ics, op. 173, 3 (2001)

Instrumentation: for prepared piano and tape

Duration: 2' 00"
Manuscript

Ich zerreisse dich wie einen Fisch, op. 172 (2001)

Radio play music

Instrumentation: for speaker, piano, prepared piano and live electronics

Radio play by Geri Dillier after texts by Franz Kafka.

Duration: 38' 00"
Manuscript

Carillon à Dondolio, op. 173, 4 (2001)

Instrumentation: for piano solo

Duration: 6' 00"
Manuscript

Night. Shift, op. 170 (2001)

Figures in a Soundscape

Instrumentation: for soloists, choir, orchestra and jazz quartet

Texts: Rudolph Straub

Duration: 65' 00"
Manuscript

Flügel, op. 177 (1998-2002)

Instrumentation: for piano solo (incl. prepared piano, melodica, concertina) and tape

Duration: 65' 00"
Manuscript

Dancer in the Sky, op. 183, 6 (2002)

After Mirò

Instrumentation: for piano

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Let it find you, op. 181/5 (2002)

Instrumentation: for melodica, violoncello and percussion

Duration: 6' 00"
Manuscript

E rose garden, op. 183, 11 (2002)

Klee-Pentagon N° 5

Instrumentation: for piano

Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript

Etude, op. 183, 4 (2002)

After Cézanne

Instrumentation: for piano

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Full Moon, op. 183, 9 (2002)

Klee-Pentagon N° 3

Instrumentation: for piano and prepared piano (arcopiano)

Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript

Western Front, op. 181/6 (2002)

Instrumentation: for piano, violoncello and percussion

Duration: 9' 00"
Manuscript

Lagoon, op. 183, 10 (2002)

Klee-Pentagon N° 4

Instrumentation: for piano and prepared piano (pizzicato piano)

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Little X, op. 183, 7 (2002)

Klee-Pentagon N° 1

Instrumentation: for piano

Duration: 2' 00"
Manuscript

Pipe ou pas?, op. 183, 2 (2002)

Picasso-Triptych N° 2

Instrumentation: for piano and prepared piano

Duration: 2' 00"
Manuscript

ABC, op. 183, 8 (2002)

Klee-Pentagon N° 2

Instrumentation: for piano and prepared piano (glissando piano)

Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript

Amour fou, op. 183, 3 (2002)

Picasso-Triptych N° 3

Instrumentation: for piano and prepared piano

Duration: 2' 00"
Manuscript

Pictures in a Gallery, op. 183 (2002)

Instrumentation: for piano solo (prepared piano, melodica)

Duration: 74' 00"
Manuscript

Aubade (2002)

Picasso-Triptych N° 1

Instrumentation: for piano and prepared piano

Duration: 2' 00"
Manuscript

Candy 'n Sky, op. 183, 5 (2002)

After Kandinsky

Instrumentation: for piano

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript

Le souffle au coeur, op. 176/9 (2002)

Instrumentation: for song, trumpet, tuba and piano

Texts: John Wolf Brennan

Duration: 6' 00"
Manuscript

Klanggang, op. 180 (2002-2003)

Sound installation

Instrumentation: for 3 tapes

Duration: 71' 00"
Manuscript

Let it find you, op. 185/2 (2002-2003)

Sextet version

Instrumentation: for horn, melodica/piano, percusion, violin, violoncello and double bass

Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript

Western Front, op. 185/3 (2002-2003)

Sextet version

Instrumentation: for horn, melodica/piano, percusion, violin, violoncello and double bass

Duration: 10' 00"
Manuscript

RMX, op. 186/1 (2003)

Instrumentation: for violin, horn, piano and double bass

Duration: 13' 00"
Manuscript

Klick, klick, ihr Sätzlinge, op. 190 (2003)

Instrumentation: for recitation, piano, prepared piano, keyboards, percussion and melodica

Texts: Eveline Hasler

Duration: 64' 00"
Manuscript

Im Fluss (State of Flux), op. 189 (2003)

Instrumentation: for voice, clarinet/bass clarinet, e-bass, piano and percussion ad libitum

Texts: John Wolf Brennan

Duration: 15' 00"
Manuscript

Equilibrio precario, op. 192 (2003-2004)

Instrumentation: for soprano and CD

Texts: John Wolf Brennan

Duration: 13' 00"
Manuscript

Güdelmäntig, op. 184 (2003-2004)

Speaking choir

Instrumentation: for one actor, choir and orchestra

Texts: Thomas Hürlimann

Duration: 75' 00"
Manuscript

Klangbahn / passage sonore, op. 194 (2004)

Sound installation

Instrumentation: for piano and electronics

Duration: 41' 00"
Manuscript

Chechov-Variationen, op. 194 (2004)

Instrumentation: for horn/flügelhorn, piano and melodica

Duration: 15' 00"
Manuscript

Discombobulated Rug Cutters, op. 171 (2001-2005)

Instrumentation: fot tuba solo

Duration: 11' 00"
Manuscript

Schnickschnack, op. 197 l (2005)

Instrumentation: for voice, horn, piano, violin, double bass and percussion

Texts: Daniil Charms

Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript

In a Gaelic Mood, op. 191a (2004-2006)

Instrumentation: for violin, horn, piano and double bass

Duration: 10' 00"
Manuscript

Zum Gipfel und zurück, op. 199 a (2006)

Instrumentation: for 4 alphorns

Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript

Song and Variations, op. 199 b (2006)

Instrumentation: for alphorn, flugelhorn and three horns

Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript

Triple Stipple, op. 198 (2006)

Instrumentation: for guitar trio

Duration: 12' 00"
Manuscript

SILK/ST/RINGS, op. 207 (2007)

Instrumentation: for pipa and guitar trio

Duration: 14' 00"
Manuscript

Immram, op. 212 (2009)

Instrumentation: for guitar ensemble

Duration: 10' 00"-12' 00"
Manuscript

State of Flux, op. 211 (2009)

Instrumentation: for violin, violoncello and piano

Duration: 13' 00"
Manuscript

Wolkenpumpentango, op. 214 (2009)

Instrumentation: for violin, violoncello and piano

Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript

Inner &Outer Spaces, op. 220 (2009-2010)

Instrumentation: for pino, prepared piano, melodica, flute, electronics and audio tapes

Duration: 50' 00"
Manuscript

Hornborn Hymn, op. 221 (2010)

Instrumentation: version for horn, timpani and string orchestra

Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript

Ever for never, op. 222 (2010)

Instrumentation: version for horn, xylophone, marimba and string orchestra

Duration: 6' 00"
Manuscript

Perpetuum, op. 230a (2011)

Instrumentation: for 2 pianos

Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript

TLS - a tarkus love story, op. 230b (2011)

Instrumentation: for 2 pianos

Duration: 4' 00"
Manuscript

10 Duo-Stücke, op. 230 c (2011)

Instrumentation: for piano duo

Unfolding Patterns - SPARKUS - Klimba - DARKUS - SHARKUS - Gateless Gate - LARKUS - Contrapunto - Sotto voce - Ben ritmato

Duration: 25' 00"
Manuscript

Poya, op. 231 (2011)

Instrumentation: for piano, melodica and prepared piano

Duration: 72' 00"
Manuscript

Pilgrims, op. 238 (Meditative Moments 3+5) (2011)

Solo pieces

Instrumentation: for piano / piano + melodica

Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript

Pilgrims, op. 238 (2011-2012)

Duo pieces

Instrumentation: for piano and percussion

Tubular voices - Meditative Moments 1, 2, 4, 6 + 7 - Oasi - Thirsty Donkey - Final Still

Duration: 35' 00"
Manuscript

Discography

Momentum 4 (Leo Records Nr. 440, 2005)