Nick Bratkovich: Music

1. Kosovska Poskočica (N. Bratkovich)
An original tune in which I tried capturing the traditional syncopated rhythm of the Kosovo re-0802gion of Serbia. The brass and percussion sections provide an interesting ethnic flavor.

2. Magdalena (T. Ognenovski)
A beautiful love song from southern Serbia about a young girl named Magdalena. The interlude in B minor provides an extremely pleasant effect.

3. Branimirovo Kolo (B. Djokić)
Written by Branimir Djokić, the Serbian accordionist who influenced me the most during the time I was developing a style of my own. A driving kolo u šest from the Šumadija region of Serbia with a lively brass section in the backround.

4. Kasapsko Oro (Folk Tune)
A popular dance from southern Serbia and the favorite of many international folk dancers from all over the country. The clarinet adds nicely to the instrumentation.

5. Čuburka (R. Zivković)
Written by Radojka Zivković, another of my childhood idols whose creative genius included the use of a cello to provide unique counter-melodies to the accordion.

6. Čačansko Kokonješte (Folk Tune)
Kokonješte is the earliest form of the modern kolo u sest dating back to the time of the Ottoman occupation of the Balkans. Every kokonješte possesses a certain sadness due to the minor key in which it is written.

7. O Majko, Majko (M. Puzić)
A beautiful song about love gone wrong. The singer laments to his mother about ever having been born when he has been so unfortunate in love.

8. Krivo Virska Račenica (N. Bratkovich)
An original račenica which I named after the small village of Krivi Vir in eastern Serbia. My grandfather Jovan told me that the earliest known Bratkovichs settled in that part of Serbia.

9. Nizamski Rastanak (Folk Tune)
Translated as “Farewell to Nizam” this classic tune was written during the late 1800’s toward the end of the Ottoman occupation. The viola plays as the rhythm of heavily burdened horses signifies the retreat of the Nizam warriors from Serbia after 500 years.

10. Jeremijevo Kolo (R. Zivković)
Perhaps my favorite kolo u šest. Radojka weaves in and out of major and minor keys while the cello adds magically to the beauty.

11. Amerika (N. Bratkovich)
An original composition that I am particularly proud of. The story of a young man who immigrates to the great and rich land of America where he finds a good wife, fortune and happiness. At times he remembers his mother’s parting words, “Although you might have everything you desire in America, you won’t have me.” He grows old and finally he has the opportunity to see his mother again, but unfortunately it is too late. But despite the sadness of losing his mother, he reaffirms his gratitude to his adopted country by declaring, “You will always be my America.” This one’s for you, Dad.

12. Teško Oro (M. Spasojević)
A lively tune from southern Serbia with intro and finish on bagpipes. Written by the legendary accordionist Milija Spasojević who was a master of discovering new and exciting sounds. I remember listening to him and getting goose bumps every time he got to the key change. I hope my rendition allows you to experience it, too.

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