The Atlantic Telegraph Schottisch

Composer Henry Kleber (American, 1816 - 1897)

Publisher Firth, Pond & Co

Datec 1857

Object number00036388

NameSheet music

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 346 x 256 mm, 0.04 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis sheet music was written to commemorate the construction of the Atlantic telegraph cable linking Europe and North America. This was the 2nd published edition of the music which was composed for a piano. The cover design features a lithograph by Sarony, Major and Kanpp of two ships accompanied by tug boats arriving and being greeted by a crowd of people on shore.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. Between 1857 and 1866 a number of attempts were made to build a durable telegraph cable across the Atlantic Ocean, linking Europe and North America. The project developed slowly with communication initially very poor and only capable of receiving one character every two minutes. The transatlantic cable eventually allowed communication between the two continents to be received in a matter of minutes, unlike the previous methods which were reliant on the arrival of ships.Significance'The Atlantic Telegraph Schottisch' highlights how sheet music was commemorative in nature and often produced to coincide with public events or special occasions. The establishment of a reliable and quicker line of communication between America and Europe was a breakthrough in global relations during the 19th century.