Nelson waterfront Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
When Gareth Farr was asked to write a piece for the combined forces of the New Zealand String Quartet and the Goldner Quartet from Australia, he says he leapt at the chance.
Gareth Farr Photo: supplied
"String octets sit right on the cusp of chamber and orchestral music - small enough to be intimate and detailed, but with the weight and power to deliver a dramatic punch when necessary."
The work has two contrasting ideas which at first seemed incompatible. "The first idea is entirely melodic, and (atypically for me!), deliberately avoids any rhythmic exploration ... the second idea is so entirely rhythmic that the group effectively transforms into a percussion ensemble."
"The piece is entitled 'String Octet' rather than a more evocative programmatic title, as its sole purpose is to celebrate this wonderful ensemble."
The work was given its première at a concert called 'Bold Strokes' on Waitangi Day in Nelson Cathedral as part of the Adam Chamber Music Festival 2017.
The performers are Dene Olding and Dimity Hall (violins), Irina Morozova (viola) and Julian Smiles (cello) of the Goldner Quartet, and Helene Pohl, Monique Lapins (violins), Gillian Ansell (viola) and Rolf Gjelsten (cello) of the NZ String Quartet.
Goldner String Quartet, NZ String Quartet with Gareth Farr in rehearsal Photo: Adam Chamber Music Festival
This is the world première performance of Gareth Farr's String Octet which was commissioned by the Adam Chamber Music Festival with funding from Creative New Zealand.
Recorded on 6 February 2017, in Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson by RNZ Concert.
Producer: Tim Dodd
Engineer: Graham Kennedy
