Commissioned by the New Zealand Choral Federation, Farr's Tirohia Atu Nei is a setting of an old Maori waiata (song) about Matariki, the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. For the Maori, the appearance at dawn of Matariki marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one, a time to reflect on what has passed and to celebrate life, light and well-being. This work would suit any choir looking to perform a bright choral work enhanced by percussion.
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.
