Music

Wolfgang-Michael Bauer is a composer of Modern Third Stream. His music combines the structural discipline and formal clarity of European art music with the rhythmic and groovy elements of fusion, as well as a conscious free-tonal harmony. 

Drawing inspiration from musical role models such as Nikolai Kapustin, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Chet Baker, Bauer develops his own sonic language. Central to his work is the border crossing between strictly notated composition and the impression of lively, spontaneous improvisation. Although all the works are fully and meticulously notated, they possess such a fluid rhythmic flexibility and harmonic openness that they often give the listener the impression of genuine improvisation. 

A characteristic feature is the tension between complex, free-tonal harmonic fields and strong, physical grooves. Modern rhythmic concepts, energetic bass lines, and colorful orchestration create a distinctive, genre-crossing sound that is intellectually demanding and at the same time emotionally captivating. 

Bauer's oeuvre spans a broad spectrum – from solo piano works and intimate chamber music to jazz and fusion ensembles, and large-scale big band and orchestral compositions. His works are performed by renowned artists such as Othmar Müller, Stephanie Timosche-Gumpinger, Helmut Wiener, Monika Medek, Alexander Rößler, Wolfgang Capek, Doris Adam, Julian Yo Hedenborg, Michael Capek, and Margit Fussi, and are highly regarded in both the contemporary music scene and the broader jazz and fusion community.