Elgar’s Enigma

About This Project

Near the end of his life, the renowned English composer Edward Elgar composed some of the greatest music of his career. Elgar’s Enigma examines the idea that Elgar’s deeply emotional Cello Concerto in Em was provoked by memories of his first great love, Helen Weaver, who emigrated to New Zealand after their relationship ended. After receiving word that Weaver’s son had been killed fighting in France, Elgar was moved to write a war requiem. The film mixes interviews, dramatisations, and a performance of the concerto by cellist Lynn Harrell and the NZSO.

Due to demand, we have produced an “extra” — a complete recording of the full concert, performed by Lynn Harrell and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Matthias Bamert.