The “crazy monk”, the “holy fool”, “Russia’s mad genius” are three of many epithets given to a man who’s actions were reported daily in St. Petersburg newspapers, and yet of whom we have little verified information.
Rumor has it that Grigori Rasputin used to whip himself, drink himself senseless and partake in orgies, as a way to get closer to god and guarantee his own salvation. His close relationship to Tsar Nicolas II and his wife Alexandra Feodorovna contributed to the abolishment of monarchy in Russia and encouraged the separation of the religion from the state. Rasputin comes and goes is an homage to the man and to his insanity. It is also a personal homage to a dear friend struggling with the unthinkable.
Rasputin comes and goes was commissioned by the Tzlil Meudcan festival in Tel Aviv where it was premiered on July 2011 by the Barbara Maurer, featured in the recording.