Based on the story of the Maori god of earthquakes, Rūaumoko sees Farr channelling the elemental forces of nature across four movements based on the four seasons. Tender woodwind playing is followed by perilous swirling contours and booming percussion, while elsewhere chiming pitched percussion, surging brass drones and interlocking choirs propel this dynamic work towards a triumphant finale.
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.
