Naarm Haiku – 2022/2023

Piano

*Duration 8’30”

Bakrnčev’s Naarm Haiku is a *five-part solo piano suite, inspired by poems from Lisa Gorton’s “Hotel Hyperion” and the composer’s original texts. It features the composer’s signature “monochromatic” style, blending literary emotion with virtuosic piano performance for a captivating experience – Naarm is the Kulin Nation’s name for the region also called Melbourne.

*Naarm Haiku No. 1-3 have been completed, and No. 4 & 5 are currently in the process of being composed.

Excerpt (pictured right, b.15-17) of Bakrnčev’s Naarm Haiku No. 3 (Needlework).

Elegy – 2019/2022

Piano

Duration 4’21”

Bakrnčev’s Elegy was written during a time of personal turmoil for the composer, inspired by grief and tragedy, hopelessness, and despair. The piece is characterized by its deep and sorrowful mood, with a slow, melancholic melody that speaks to the pain and sadness the composer was feeling. The somber harmonies and minimalistic approach to the piano only amplify the sense of loss and desolation conveyed in the music.

Excerpt (pictured right, b.6-15) of Bakrnčev’s Elegy for Piano.

Sky Jammer – 2015

Orchestra

Duration 8’55”

Bakrnčev’s “Sky Jammer” for orchestra is a bold, dark and intense composition that captures the energy and urgency of a dystopian world. The work features driving rhythms, intense orchestrations and vivid sonorities that come together to create an explosive and powerful musical experience. The piece evokes images of towering skyscrapers and a haunting, urban landscape, making it a true masterpiece of neo-noir orchestral music. According to one local traveler, “…my favourite was ‘Sky Jammer’ by young composer Michael Bakrnčev, an astringent nightmare of tower-blocks, with some very effective orchestration.”

Excerpt (pictured right, b.64-68) of Bakrnčev’s Sky Jammer.

Translations for Orchestra – 2014

Orchestra

Duration 8’11”

Bakrnčev’s “Translations for Orchestra” is an emotionally charged musical journey inspired by the heroic efforts of young Afghan activist Malala Yousafzai. The composer blends classical and folkloric styles with the technique of ‘monochromaticism’ to translate Yousafzai’s quotes into musical pitches, creating an explosive and powerful expression of the fight for girls’ education. This work also incorporates texts from Frank Zappa, who expressed strong opinions about the decay of the education system in the United States, creating a contrast between two different periods in time, both focused on the theme of education. The orchestral work serves as an early and powerful example of the composer’s use of monochromaticism and his ability to translate powerful messages into musical form.

Excerpt (pictured right, b.67-70) of Bakrnčev’s Translations for Orchestra.

Hustle – 2020/2021

Percussion Trio – Vibraphone, Toms, Marimba

Duration 3’20”

Bakrnčev’s Hustle is a fusion of traditional Macedonian folkdance rhythms and modern music techniques, creating a unique and energetic piece. This piece showcases the composer’s versatility and musical ingenuity, inviting listeners to come together and enjoy the music, regardless of their background or cultural differences.

Excerpt (pictured right, b.13-15) of Bakrnčev’s Hustle.

Piano Trio No. 2 ‘Janino Oro’ – 2015

Trio for Violin, Violoncello & Piano

Duration 12’16”

Bakrnčev’s Piano Trio No. 2 for Violin, Violoncello & Piano “Janino Oro”, is a virtuosic exploration of a popular and complicated metric folk dance found throughout Macedonia and its neighboring countries. The piece showcases the characteristic rhythmic and melodic intricacies of the dance through the interplay of the violin, violoncello and piano. Designed to test nuance, balance, melody, and cohesiveness, the “Janino Piano Trio” is a testament to the composer’s musical expertise.

Excerpt (pictured right, b.142-148) of Bakrnčev’s Piano Trio No. 2 “Janino Oro”.

Trio for Clarinet, Violin & Piano – 2017

Clarinet, Violin & Piano

Duration 12’30”

Bakrnčev’s Trio for Clarinet, Violin & Piano is a romantic interpretation of an Aromanian (Vlach/Vlashki) love song from Macedonia. The piece showcases the folkloric aesthetic, with a focus on the expressive melodies that are characteristic of this genre. The intimate nature of the trio makes for an emotional and captivating performance.

Excerpt (pictured right, b.61-65) of Bakrnčev’s Trio for Clarinet, Violin & Piano.

Falling Light – 2013

Sextet for Piccolo, Flute, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Piano & Harp

Duration 5’10”

Bakrnčev’s Falling Light is an atmospheric and delicate work that showcases the interplay between high-pitched instruments to create an ethereal soundscape. The piece is characterized by its fluttering and shimmering qualities, drawing the listener into a mesmerizing and otherworldly experience.

Excerpt (pictured right, b.55-60) of Bakrnčev’s Falling Light.

Meditation on F – 2021

Solo Contrabass

Duration 60′

Bakrnčev’s Meditation on F for Solo Contrabass is a musical investigation into the human ear and brain’s perception of frequency and pitch. The piece focuses on a single note, F, and tests the listener’s ability to detect changes in pitch over a prolonged duration. Through this sonic exploration, Bakrnčev challenges the notion of what is considered a “correct” frequency and offers a unique and thought-provoking musical experience.

Vidi – 2013

Microtonal Female Vocal Trio – Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto

Duration 1’50”

Bakrnčev’s Vidi (See/Look) is a brief prayer that offers guidance and protection to the listener. The piece is sung in the composer’s mother’s dialect of Macedonian, hailing from the village of Negočani (Lerin, Macedonia). This short but powerful work serves as a reminder of the comfort and support that can be found in prayer and song.

No Such Thing – 2019

Dancer with Piano Accompaniment

Duration 1’30”

Bakrnčev’s “No Such Thing” is a part of a larger musical tapestry that was created for a dramatic performance featuring a solo dancer and piano accompaniment. The work was inspired by the composer’s personal experience with ethnic tensions and divides in Australia and serves as a powerful commentary on the importance of unity and acceptance in society.

Side Effects of Loneliness, Rain & Distance – 2012

Flute & Piano

Duration 6’15”

Bakrnčev’s Side Effects of Loneliness, Rain & Distance is a musical metaphor for capturing life’s bittersweet moments of isolation and sadness. The piece features a piano and flute, which mimic each other’s sounds yet never quite sync up, creating a sense of unease and solitude that reflects the theme of loneliness. Through its delicate and evocative soundscape, the work invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with isolation and sadness.

Rush – 2012

Saxophone Quartet – Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone

Duration 6’40”

Bakrnčev’s Rush is an early work that showcases the composer’s interest in additive meter. It was inspired by the composer’s youthful experiences of beach-going and partying with friends. The piece captures the energy and excitement of catching a “party wave” with multiple people, sharing the risk and intensity of the experience, leading to instantaneous memories.

Water – 2010

Flute Quartet

Duration 4’18”

Bakrnčev’s Water represents a departure from conventional harmony, focusing instead on the textures and orchestration. The composition features pentatonic writing for a flute quartet that includes the use of piccolo and alto flute. This work, considered a standout piece from Bakrnčev’s undergraduate studies, showcases his skill in creating musical ideas through imaginative orchestration.