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The OROTAVA waltz

The OROTAVA waltz

Composer
Publisher
Date1911
Object number00027129
NameSheet music
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 363 x 261 mm, 0.03 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
Collections
DescriptionThe cover of 'the OROTAVA waltz' has a chromolithograph featuring a spray of small pink flowers with butterflies and a blue tinted photograph of the OROTAVA. The music was dedicated to Mrs Ives, the Mayoress of Sydney. It was one of a number of pieces composed in honour of the vessel OROTAVA, used for transporting mail to Australia between 1906 and 1914.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 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. By the mid-19th century many middle class families owned a piano, an important part of their social entertainment and recreation at home. Music sheets featuring waltzes, quadrilles, galops, polkas and mazurkas were everyday favourites, covering a range of themes including travel, plays and literature. The launch or arrival of a ship was a common reason for composing a piece. The OROTAVA was built at Barrow, England in 1889. The ship was used during the Boer War as a troop transport and in 1906 was transferred to the Australian Royal Mail line. During World War I the OROTAVA was part of the Admiralty's fleet in the 10th cruiser squadron. It was scrapped in 1919. SignificanceThis sheet music indicates the range of material produced to commemorate ships in the early 20th century. The OROTAVA played an important role in Australia's mail service at the time.