The ship on fire
Lyricist
Charles Mackay
(1814 - 1889)
Publisher
S C Jollie
Composer
Henry Russell
(1812 - 1900)
Printer
Endicott Lithographer
(1828 - 1852)
Date1834
Object number00036386
NameSheet music
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 337 x 212 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis sheet music booklet features a black and white image of a vessel on fire with two row boats filled with passengers leaving the sinking ship. It was composed for voice and piano, dedicated to J Firth and printed in New York. Scenes of shipwrecks and maritime events were commonly depicted on sheet music covers.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 cargo, passengers, mail and naval forces.
The first two lines of 'The Ship on Fire':
The storm o'er the ocean flew furious and fast,
And the waves rose in foam at the voice of the blastSignificance'The Ship on Fire' illustrates the popularity of maritime themes on sheet music during the 19th century, with shipwrecks being popular themes for sentimental ballads and laments.
