Perfect for orchestras wanting to embrace the music of the Pacific, From the Depths Sound the Great Sea Gongs combines the exotic sound worlds of Indonesian gamelan, Rarotongan drumming and Japanese taiko drumming. Farr's best-known orchestral work and a classic in New Zealand's orchestral repertoire, its rhythmic character is initially reminiscent of Balinese processional music, later employing interlocking material in choreographic homage to Bali's reyong gong ensembles. This edition of the work includes revisions made by the composer in 2000.
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.
