The Sailor's Complaint

Composer George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

Datec 1735

Object number00036383

NameSheet music

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 337 x 212 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

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DescriptionThis sheet music with a maritime theme depicts a woman with a basket, greeting a sailor who has just arrived in a naval frigate. Ballads about sailors often centred on themes of romance and jilted love. Ships were an everyday part of society in the 19th century and for many people tales of maritime life would have been of interest and relevance to their daily life.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. At the heart of each piece, sheet music displays prevalent social and cultural motifs. With each stanza, life’s questions are parodied or sentimentalised in a compelling way. These tales form part of a range of maritime themed songs; a vibrant collection of narratives designed to illustrate messages of love, friendships, identity and heroism. In this example, 'The Sailor's Complaint', a rather colourful tale of woe can be seen, in which a woman is depicted holding a basket and greeting a sailor disembarking from a naval frigate. Like other ballad it functions as a cautionary but light-hearted story. A sailor, ‘who was once so stout and bold’ is jilted by ‘scornful Sue’. The song is littered with nautical metaphors, perhaps intended to connect with its seafaring listeners. The sailor describes how he was ‘cast away’ by this ‘Goddess bright’ and ‘could not compass her’ ‘to steer the marriage course.’Significance'The Sailors Complaint' represents the popularity of sheet music depicting maritime scenes and events in the 18th century.