Three Etudes by Gareth Farr

Three Etudes was written while Farr was performing regularly as a marimba soloist. This work showcases the many potential rhythmic and sonic possibilities of the marimba by exploiting virtuosic playing techniques (such as the double lateral stroke) and by contrasting moods with seamless melodies.

“For Jeremy Fitzsimons” and “Him” were written for fellow percussionists Jeremy Fitzsimons and Suzanne Warner respectively. “Duggan Theme”, originally written for marimba and flute as the title theme music for, “Duggan”, a televisions police-drama series in which Detective Inspector John Duggan investigated grisly murder cases set against the scenic backdrop of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds, has been adapted by Farr for solo marimba and now forms movement two. Farr wrote music for the two pilot episodes in 1997 and 1998, and the 11 one-hour episodes made subsequently.