Tubes (2008) for four piece of aluminium pipe is inspired by Balinese gamelan music and interlocking techniques. It is innovative by exploring a wide variety of sounds made with minimal materials. The work is challenging and enables performance to demonstrate skills in ensemble unity. Farr's characteristically infectious and clever writing in this work is sure to impress audiences.
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.
