Farquhar's excellent fourth string quartet opens with a rising-scale idea followed by repeated chords that permeate the first movement and, ultimately, the entire work. The second movement combines slow movement and scherzo, with the quartet effectively grouped into two duos. This pairing continues into the concluding vivace movement.
David Farquhar is recognised as a significant figure in the field of New Zealand composition. A committed advocate of New Zealand music, his reputation was initially established in the realm of music for theatre.
