00027137_005.pdf

A Life on the Ocean Wave

Composer Henry Russell (1812 - 1900)

Lyricist Epes Sargent (1813 – 1880)

Date1840s

Object number00027137

NameSheet music

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 347 x 256 mm, 0.02 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Music

Terms

Description'A Life on the Ocean Wave' was published in London and printed in Henry Russell's volume 'Musical Bouquet'. The booklet's cover features a black and white lithograph of an officer on a ship's deck holding a telescope and sword.
HistoryHenry Russell’s 'Musical Bouquet' series started around 1846. In the days prior to copyright legislation 'Musical Bouquet' used material that had already been published. By 1889 more than 9,000 pieces of music were featured in Russell's series.

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.

The first stanza of ' A Life on the Ocean Wave':

A life on the Ocean Wave!
A home on the rolling deep!
Where the scattered waters rave,
And the winds their revels keep!
Like an eagle cag'd I pine,
On this dull unchanging shore,
Oh! give me the flashing brine,
The spray and the tempest's roar!
SignificanceThis music highlights the popularity of maritime themes in 19th century sheet music, representing the work of well known British pianist, composer and singer Henry Russell (1812-1900).