The three movements of Farr's Taheke each represent a different New Zealand waterfall. The first is the Huka Falls near Taupo, the second is secluded in the bush of the composer's family's land in the Marlborough Sounds, while the third is the elegant Whangarei Falls in Northland.
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.
