Is there a New Zealand connection to Elgar’s Cello Concerto?

Elgar’s Cello Concerto is a Requiem.  The late Oxford musicologist, Professor Brian Trowell put forward the controversial theory that it was written as a tribute to New Zealand soldier, Lt. Kenneth Munro.

Whether or not the eminent Elgar scholar is correct – there is certainly a personal connection, as his mother, Helen Weaver, was in 1883 engaged to  a young Elgar, who had visited her in Leipzig in 1882, while she was studying at the Conservatoire.

Their relationship ended – the reason is not clear – but Helen was from a wealthy family who may not have thought Edward a suitable husband.

Helen contracted TB, and was sent, for medical or matrimonial reasons, on a “long sea voyage” to New Zealand, which would seem to have  alleviated her condition, as she survived, married banker John Munro in Patea and gave birth to Kenneth on the 7th July 1891.

Trowell puts forward the theory that Elgar read of Kenneth Munro’s death and was moved to write the concerto. He also claims that the 13th variation of the Enigma Variations, which is only named by 3 asterisks, is a portrait of Helen Weaver. Possibly true – but Trowell offered no evidence to back his claim. Either way – it’s good story and certainly an NZ connection to Elgar

Kenneth Munro enlisted in 1914 ( the date is missing on his enrollment papers), but was appointed as 2nd Lt. on the 3rd December. He embarked for Suez  and the UK on the 17th April 1915, having  been promoted to Lieutenant  on the 12th February 1915.

Due to ill health, he was admitted to the Royal Free Hospital, in London, on the 29th September 1915, and was back on regimental strength in Hornchurch, Essex, on the 23rd of February 1916. He returned to France on the 17th April that year. Kenneth was killed in action, near Armentieres, France on July 3rd 1916.

DB

Sources: The Listener, 20 May 2006, Rod Bliss. Archives NZ, Service record.