Sailing polka
Composer
Guglielmo Lardelli
Datec 1900
Object number00027138
NameSheet music
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 329 x 254 mm, 0.003 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis sheet music was dedicated to Commodore S H Hyman of the Balmain Amateur Sailing Club, initially formed in October 1885. The booklet's cover features a coloured lithograph of a gaff-rigged cutter yacht sailing through Sydney Heads. Polka became a popular ballroom dance during the 19th century, often played at balls, recitals and in the home.HistorySheet music offers an insight into popular culture and social values at the time of its 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.
Balmain Sailing club was a community based organisation first formed in 1885, providing social and water recreation. The club was reformed in 1995 after being inactive for 50 years.SignificanceThe 'Sailing Polka' represents the promotion of maritime recreation activities on sheet music in Australia, highlighting the social nature of sailing clubs such as Balmain at the turn of the 20th century.
