Trigger Happy is a four minute work for brass band. The term trigger, from the title, refers to the technical side of brass instruments. It is the mechanical lever that lengthens a slide when pressed in a contrary direction. Triggers are sprung in such a way that they return the slide to its original position when released. Another use of the term refers to when the length of tubing of brass instruments is altered to shift its playing range as in the case of the trombone.
In this work, Farr employs the top range of the higher register of the two euphoniums for the melody to cut through the repetitive, irregular accented homophonic writing of the brass band, which in turn propels the music forward.
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.
