Patrick D. Hennessey Livres

In August 1914, the Territory of Hawai‘i celebrated the seventieth birthday of Henry Berger, its Prussian-born bandmaster, with a gathering of citizens and officials, including Governor Lucius E. Pinkham, former President Sanford B. Dole, and deposed Queen Lili‘uokalani. This event marked a historic moment as it was the first time Lili‘uokalani and Dole shared a public space since the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. During the celebration, Lili‘uokalani reportedly honored Berger with the title “Father of Hawaiian Music.” His career justified this distinction; he conducted over 32,000 concerts and arranged more than 1,000 Western compositions for the Royal Hawaiian Band. Additionally, he composed around 500 marches and published over 100 works. Beyond official duties, Berger significantly influenced Honolulu’s entertainment scene, providing music for various theatrical productions and private events. His legacy is particularly tied to Hawaiian music, as he integrated European genres like the waltz and polka into the islands’ musical landscape. Notable works include the national anthem Hawai‘i Pono‘i and Lili‘uokalani’s Aloha ‘Oe. This study explores Berger’s contributions to Hawaiian music, his role in elevating the Royal Hawaiian Band, and his historical significance within both Prussian and Hawaiian contexts.