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Rose Publications (The Rose Ensemble)
Kuʻu Pua i Paoakalani
Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Kamakaʻeha Pākī, Liliʻuokalani, Queen of Hawaiʻi (1838–1917)
An art song evocative of sweetly scented flowers and gentle breezes.
S solo, SATB, guitar
Featuring a lovely soprano solo, this is just one of many examples of the music with which the Queen filled her court. This piece may also be performed by an SSA ensemble. A separate guitar part is included. The score contains source information, historical context, editorial notes, performance suggestions, and a translation above the staff. A brief Hawaiian diction guide is included.
Composer’s Notes
Born Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Kamakaʻeha, “Liliʻu” began her formal musical training when she entered the missionary-sponsored Chief’s Children’s School at age 4. A serious and talented student, she was able to sight-read music at a very early age and was often asked by her teacher to introduce a new song to the class.
By age 15, the young princess was already an accomplished musician and composer. As an adult, she was a frequent patron of musical and dramatic events and took a keen interest in publishing her music so that it could be available to all. In 1866, she became director of the Kawaiahaʻo Church choir in Honolulu, and took the position of organist a few years later, alternating with Professor Henry Berger, master of the Royal Hawaiian Band.
By the 1890s, Liliʻuokalani’s music (published in sheet music form) was popular on the United States mainland, and by the 1910s Hawaiian music was in fashion even in Europe.
Liliʻu was given the name “Liliʻuokalani”, or “Liliʻu of the heavens” by her brother, King David Kalākaua, upon naming her heiress apparent to the throne in 1877. During her two brief years as Hawaiʻi’s last ruling monarch (1891-1893), Queen Liliʻuokalani filled her world with musical activity. She held many concerts at ʻIolani Palace, featuring foreign artists as well as local musicians. She remained active as a singer and director of several music groups, and continued to compose new songs.
Text
1. E ka gentle breeze e waft mai nei,
hoʻohāliʻaliʻa mai ana iaʻu,
e kuʻu sweet never fading flowʻr
i bloom i ka uka o Paoakalani.
ʻIke mau i ka nani o nā pua
o ka uka o Uluhaimalama,
ʻaʻole naʻe hoʻi e like
me kuʻu pua i ka laʻi o Paoakalani.
2. Nane ʻia mai ana kuʻu aloha,
e ka gentle breeze e waft mai nei,
o come to me kaʻu mea e liʻa mei,
i ulu i ka uka o Paoakalani.
O ye gentle breeze that wafts to me,
Sweet cherished memories of thee,
Of that sweet never faiding flower,
That blooms in the fields of Paoakalani.
Tho’ I’ve often seen those beauteous flow’rs
That grew at Uluhaimalama,
But none of those could be compared
To my flow’r that blooms in the fields of Paoakalani.
Now name to me the one that I love,
Ye gentle breezes passing by,
And bring to me that blossom fair,
That bloometh in the fields of Paoakalani.
-Liliʻuokalani, Queen of Hawaiʻi
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