Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

September 2, 1838 in Honolulu, HI

Death

:

November 11, 1917 in Honolulu, HI

Genre

:

Choral

 

Queen Lydia Lili'uokalani was a renowned composer of classical music who was born on September 2, 1838, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was the last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii and was known for her musical talent and her efforts to preserve Hawaiian culture. Lili'uokalani was born to high-ranking parents, Caesar Kapa'akea and Analea Keohokalole. Her mother was a member of the royal family, and her father was a chief counselor to King Kamehameha III. Lili'uokalani was the youngest of their children, and she was given the name Lydia Lili'uokalani Kamaka'eha. Lili'uokalani's musical talent was evident from a young age. She was taught to play the piano by her mother, and she also learned to sing and play the guitar. She was a quick learner and soon became proficient in all three instruments. In 1856, Lili'uokalani married John Owen Dominis, who was the son of a wealthy merchant. Dominis was also a musician, and he encouraged Lili'uokalani to continue pursuing her musical interests. Together, they traveled to Europe, where Lili'uokalani studied music and attended concerts and operas. Lili'uokalani's musical education in Europe had a significant impact on her compositions. She was exposed to the works of classical composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin, and she incorporated elements of their music into her own compositions. Lili'uokalani's most famous composition is the song "Aloha Oe," which she wrote in 1878. The song is a farewell to a loved one and has become a symbol of Hawaiian culture. It has been covered by numerous artists and is still widely recognized today. In addition to "Aloha Oe," Lili'uokalani composed many other pieces of music, including operas, hymns, and instrumental works. Her compositions often incorporated traditional Hawaiian melodies and themes, as well as elements of European classical music. Lili'uokalani's compositions were not only musically significant but also culturally significant. She was a strong advocate for the preservation of Hawaiian culture and language, and her music played a significant role in this effort. Her compositions helped to promote Hawaiian music and culture both in Hawaii and around the world. Lili'uokalani's reign as queen was short-lived. She became queen in 1891 after the death of her brother, King Kalakaua. However, her reign was marred by political turmoil and conflict with the United States. In 1893, a group of American businessmen and politicians overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy and established a provisional government. Lili'uokalani was forced to abdicate her throne and was placed under house arrest. Despite the political turmoil, Lili'uokalani continued to compose music. She wrote many pieces during her time in captivity, including the opera "Laieikawai," which was based on a Hawaiian legend. The opera was performed in 1917, several years after Lili'uokalani's death. Lili'uokalani died on November 11, 1917, at the age of 79. She was remembered not only for her musical talent but also for her efforts to preserve Hawaiian culture and language. Her compositions continue to be performed and celebrated today, and she is considered one of Hawaii's most important cultural figures.

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