Classical music is filled with beautiful depictions of America, from the rolling hills of Appalachia, to the bustling cities of the east coast, and even the warm, humid south. But what about the tropical breezes of Hawaii – are you familiar with any classical music that paints that picture? Aloha – I’m Loki Karuna, and on this edition of Noteworthy, you and I are off to the Pacific Islands, guided by the music of composer Dai-Keong Li.
Born in Honolulu in 1915, Dai-Keong Li grew up surrounded by a rich melting pot of cultures. After identifying his skills as a composer, he made his way to mainland USA to study with some of the biggest names in American music, including Roger Sessions and Aaron Copland. In 1959, the same year Hawaii became the 50th state, Dai-Keong wrote this piece depicting Pacific rhythms within a western orchestra. He called it the Polynesian Suite.
Alongside his orchestral works, Dai-Keong Li wrote operas, chamber music, and even the score for a Broadway show. He passed away in 2005, but his legacy as a pioneer who brought new sounds to the American landscape lives on, earning him a spot as one of America’s most Noteworthy composers.
Noteworthy is a production of WDAV Classical Public Radio.