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On the Briny (Oh! What a Nasty Feeling)

Composer Louis L Howarde

Publisher W J Deane & son

Date1908

Object number00029048

NameSheet music

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 361 x 265 mm, 2 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Music

Terms

DescriptionThis sheet music for the nautical intermezzo two step 'On the Briny (Oh! What a Nasty Feeling)' features music by American composer Louis L Howarde, who also composed the patriotic march song 'The Sons of Uncle Sam' to celebrate the cruise of the Great White Fleet in 1908.HistorySheet music offers an insight into popular culture and social values at the time of their production. The widely distributed pieces were fairly cheap to buy, making them popular purchases with the general public. Music was an integral part of people's social life in the home and at public outings 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 19th century society the sea and maritime vessels were an everyday accepted part of life, necessary for the transportation of commercial cargo, passengers, whalers, mail and naval forces.SignificanceNautical sheet music is often commemorative in nature, composed to mark the launching of a ship or celebrate an event. 'On the Briny' is a humorous composition on the perils of sea sickness, rather than a commemorative piece. Composed by an American, it attests to the presence of American popular music in the Australian music market around 1912.