The Horizon From Owhiro Bay (2007) will appeal to pianists keen to build up an eclectic repertoire, as this work integrates Javanese slendro musical systems and stylistic elements associated with the French impressionist composers. A musical depiction of the "moody depths" of New Zealand's Owhiro Bay and Cook Strait, its simple arching structure begins and ends with a repeated two-note motif, which serves as a literal horizon as the pianist performs surrounding ascending and descending figures.
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.
