The Concerto for Percussion & Orchestra, for four percussion soloists, is in two main movements, with a Prelude and Interlude for the orchestra alone. The Prelude introduces the main theme of the work - heard in the orchestral timpani part - from which much of the rest of the concerto is melodically derived.
Gareth Farr is an indisputably colourful figure in New Zealand music. And whether scored for percussion duet or the resources of two large orchestras, Farr's music reflects his personality – bold, brash, or delicate and sensuous, but inevitably, immediately, engaging. Rhythmic elements of his compositions can be linked to the complex and exciting rhythms of Rarotongan log drum ensembles, Balinese gamelan and other percussion music of the Pacific Rim. In addition to his music for the concert chamber, Farr has written music for dance, theatre and television.
