Role

:

Composer

Country

:

New Zealand

Birth

:

1928

Death

:

2007

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

David Farquhar was a prominent New Zealand composer who made significant contributions to the classical music scene in his country. Born on June 23, 1928, in Cambridge, New Zealand, Farquhar grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music from an early age. Farquhar started playing the piano at the age of five and later learned to play the violin and cello. Farquhar's musical education began at the University of Auckland, where he studied composition with Douglas Lilburn, a renowned New Zealand composer. He later went to London to study at the Royal College of Music, where he was a student of Gordon Jacob and Herbert Howells. Farquhar also studied with Luigi Dallapiccola in Italy, where he was introduced to serialism, a compositional technique that would influence his later works. Farquhar's early compositions were influenced by the works of Igor Stravinsky and Bela Bartok, and he often incorporated elements of Maori music into his works. His first major work, "Ring Round the Moon," was premiered in 1953 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The piece was a ballet score based on a play by Jean Anouilh and was performed by the New Zealand Ballet Company. In 1958, Farquhar returned to New Zealand and became a lecturer in music at Victoria University of Wellington. He continued to compose and became a leading figure in the New Zealand music scene. Farquhar's works during this period were characterized by a blend of Western classical music and Maori music, which he used to create a unique sound that was distinctly New Zealand. One of Farquhar's most significant works during this period was "Requiem for a Friend," which was composed in memory of his friend and fellow composer, Ross Harris. The piece was premiered in 1966 and was a departure from Farquhar's earlier works. It was a twelve-tone composition that was heavily influenced by the works of Arnold Schoenberg. Farquhar's later works continued to explore new compositional techniques and incorporate elements of Maori music. One of his most significant works during this period was "From the Port Hills," which was composed in 1981. The piece was a concerto for guitar and orchestra and was inspired by the landscape of Christchurch, New Zealand. The work was well-received and helped to establish Farquhar as one of New Zealand's leading composers. Farquhar's contributions to the New Zealand music scene were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1984, he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and in 1990, he was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit. He was also awarded the Lilburn Trust Citation for Services to New Zealand Music in 2004. David Farquhar passed away on August 8, 2007, at the age of 79. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to influence the New Zealand music scene, and his works are still performed and celebrated today. Farquhar's unique blend of Western classical music and Maori music helped to create a distinct New Zealand sound that has become an important part of the country's cultural identity.

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