Inspired by the silent austerity of the Naga Baba sect of Hindu holy men, Farr's Naga Baba makes musical analogies to the individual being subsumed into a larger group mentality. This is most obviously represented in the way the assertions of independence made by the solo violin are gradually overcome by the rest of the orchestra.
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.
