Blow On! Blow On! The Pirate's Glee
Composer
Benjamin Franklin Baker
(American, 1811 - 1889)
Lyricist
Arthur Morrill
Lithographer
Benjamin W Thayer
(American, 1814 - 1875)
Publisher
Gro. P Reed
Date1840
Object number00036389
NameSheet music
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 346 x 256 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
Description'Blow on, Blow on, The Pirates Glee' was written for and dedicated to the Salem Glee Club, a men’s choir. The cover features a black and white lithograph by Benjamin W Thayer, titled 'Storm at Sea in a Schooner' depicting six pirates on the stern of a vessel as it encounters rough seas. The piece was written to be sung by four male voices.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.
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 people living in the 19th century the sea and maritime vessels was an everyday part of life, necessary for the transportation of commercial cargo, passengers, mail and naval forces.
The first line of this sheet music:
Blow on! Blow on!
We love the howling of winds
that waft us o'er the sea.Significance'Blow On! Blow On! The Pirates Glee' illustrates the popularity of maritime themes in sheet music production during the 19th century. Sheet music was a popular form of entertainment during this period and was relatively cheap and widely distributed.
