Gem (Preview)

Gem (2014)
The internal dissonance of Gem’s opening theme sets the work’s mysterious tone.
Contemplative rubato wanderings, predominantly along the black keys of the piano,
periodically reach into the instrument’s upper register in short flourishes of notes.
Occasionally the work takes time to dwell there, releasing notes in delicate droplets,
particularly affecting when decorating the work’s searching theme. Momentum gathers with
accelerated ascending runs that lead to a climax of tumbling high register figures in contrary
motion with the left hand. From the sustain pedal atmosphere of the climax emerges two low,
solemn chords that signal the work’s end, though vestiges of mystery remain.
The composer writes:
Nicola has been a friend and colleague since 1989, and I have written many piano pieces
for her. This commission is particularly special to both of us being in memory of her
wonderful teacher Judith Clark. Judith was a mentor to Nicola, and a constant supporter of
me and my career. This piece is a memory of Judith’s warm loving nature, and a word that
she often used to describe her favourite little piano pieces — gem.
Gem was commissioned by Nicola Melville in memory of her teacher Judith Clark with
financial support from Creative New Zealand, the Arts Council of New Zealand, Toi Aotearoa.
It received its premiere performance by Nicola Melville at Old St John’s, Nelson, New Zealand
on 6 February 2015. Farr revised the work in early 2017, adding several measures that expand
on existing material in the middle of the work.
PE136 – 5