Lo, the watchfire

Composer Austin Philips

Publisher J F Atwill

Lyricist Reverend John Reynell Wreford (American, 1800 - 1881)

Date1844

Object number00036382

NameSheet music

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 332 x 252 mm, 0.04 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis sheet music praises the protection that the watchfire or lighthouse provides to ocean travellers. The cover of this sheet music has a black and white lithograph of a vessel sailing through stormy seas with a lighthouse visible on the shore beyond. It was published in New York as No. 6 in the 'Songs of the Sea' series, composed for piano and voice.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. Maritime scenes, events and stories were commonly depicted on sheet music covers. The launch, commission or arrival of a specific ship was often commemorated in the lyrics and cover designs. For people living in the 19th century the sea and maritime vessels was an everyday part of life, necessary for the transportation of commercial cargo, passengers, whalers, mail and naval forces. The first line of 'Lo! the watchfire': Lo! the watchfire shines afar Danger comes not near us Lo! the ocean's guiding star Brightly burns to cheer usSignificance'Lo! the Watchfire' represents the popularity of sheet music depicting maritime scenes and events in the 19th century.