Ornithological Anecdotes is an imaginative song cycle in which Farr incorporates thought-provoking poems by New Zealand's greatest living poet, Bill Manhire, to evoke the experiences of four of New Zealand's native birds.

The ornamented piano accompaniment in Dotterel complements the lightness in Manhire's portrayal of these fearless little birds protecting their offspring. By contrast, Takahe features an asymmetrical, plodding 5/8 meter. Huia captures the sadness associated with this now-extinct bird, as pianissimo arpeggiated chords underpin a haunting repeated call that implores us to mitigate the environmental damage done by past generations. The whimsical Tui embraces the cockiness and musicality of said bird, as Farr's setting becomes a flamboyant display of high-pitched, virtuosic embellishments.

From the Composer

Ornithological Anecdotes is a celebration and threnody to Aotearoa New Zealand's vibrant native birdlife. From very much thriving species such as the ubiquitous tui, with its complex, melodic and sometimes humorous call, to the intriguing dotterel, who lures predators away with a feigned broken wing, to the voice of the long-extinct huia, Ornithological Anecdotes is a window into the imagined lives of these wonderful birds.