We previously featured composer Michael Bakrnčev for his powerful and meditative debut opus, Calm – Trio for Flute, Violin and Harp, so when we heard that the visionary artist had returned with Elegy (Live at Brisbane Music Festival), we couldn’t wait to experience what the attendees of the performance had experienced, albeit digitally!
The live version of Elegy is a moody and atmospheric piano performance from acclaimed, multi award-winning pianist Alex Raineri. His delivery is laced with drama and intrigue. Needless to say, we are in awe. The opus expands with compositional and instrumental mastery to take us on an evocative journey through Michael’s personal and lived experience. We learn that Elegy was written during a time of turmoil for the composer, inspired by grief and tragedy, hopelessness, and despair.
With reference to the release of Elegy, Michael Bakrnčev shares his personal and creative backstory, “My second daughter was born August 5th 2021. Everything in my life had been thrown off course just prior. I had lost my family’s income, the future was constantly uncertain, there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I used to tell myself that ‘everything happened for a reason’, but that saying had completely lost its meaning
by the time I started writing this piece. What should have been the happiest time in my life, turned into the most painful, isolating, upsetting and most tormented moments in my existence. The 5th of August was supposed to be the best day of my life, but fate decided it would be the same day we were thrown into our final and longest lockdown (Delta) in Melbourne.”
The piece is certainly characterized by its deep and sorrowful mood, with a slow, melancholic melody that speaks to the pain and sadness the composer was feeling. We connect with the authenticity that Michael Bakrnčev conveys with the desolate and emotionally adept energy of the composition, but at the same time feel a sense of catharsis and release.
To assist other fathers that need support, Michael shares the contact details of PANDA (1300 726 306) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636).
Michael seeks to explore abstract and complex themes with his artistry, including “Eastern philosophy, folklore, and the intersection of technology and scientific advancement with human consciousness.” We love the journey that he takes us on and have added Elegy to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream Michael Bakrnčev‘s wider discography including Sweetness When She’s Smiling.