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When the moonbeam
When the moonbeam

When the moonbeam

Composer
Lyricist (American, 1800 - 1881)
Publisher
Date1833-1849
Object number00036380
NameSheet music
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 332 x 256 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
Description'When the Moonbeam' is a five page booklet of sheet music that was No. 2 in the 'Songs of the Sea' series. It features a black and white lithograph of clipper ships sailing in calm seas underneath a moonlit sky. The image is framed with a border featuring crossed anchors, sea horses, Neptune's tridents and draping flags. It was composed as a piano piece to be accompanied by vocals.HistorySheet music offers an insight into popular culture and social values at the time of their production. The widely distributed pieces were sold fairly cheaply, making them popular purchases with the general public. Music was an integral part of people's social life in the home and at public events such as balls, recitals, concerts and theatre shows. The first lyrics of 'When the Moonbeam': When the moon beam lights the midnight seas, When the wave is still, and hush'd the breeze, And my bark glides, noiseless, o'er the deep, And all but love and sorrow sleep, And all but love and sorrow sleep, And all but love and sorrow sleep Significance'When the Moonbeam' highlights the popularity of sheet music depicting maritime scenes and events in the 19th century.