Call of the Huia: 100 early New Zealand Art Songs
Erima Maewa Kaihau Photo: [Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 7-A6036]
Erima Maewa Kaihau (1879 – 1941): Haere Ra
This is the first published version of the famous ‘Now is the Hour’ or 'Po Atarau' which differs in both words and music from its later, more famous version.
It was initially written as a song to farewell Maori troops off to the First World War, this version being published in 1928.
Erima Maewa Kaihau claimed to have written both words and music, and that has been subject to much debate.
The tune is based on a piano piece, ‘Swiss Cradle Song’ by Clement Scott, and the words are adapted from various earlier waiata.
Recorded 12 February 2021, St Andrew's on The Terrace, Wellington by RNZ Concert
Producer: David McCaw for RNZ Concert
Engineer: Darryl Stack for RNZ Concert
Video: Chris Watson for SOUNZ
The Call of the Huia research project by music historian Michael Vinten is funded by the Lilburn Trust with support from the Alexander Turnbull Library, the Hocken Library, SOUNZ Centre for NZ Music, RNZ Concert and others. The scores with CDs for Call of the Huia can be purchased in hard copy or as digital download from SOUNZ.
