CHUSAN Waltz
Maker
Henry Marsh & Co
Date1852
Object number00027123
NameSheet music
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 360 x 255 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis sheet music was printed in Sydney to celebrate the arrival of the CHUSAN to Australian shores. This was the first steamship to visit the emerging colony, helping establish a reliable mail service between Australia and Singapore. The first load of mail arrived in Sydney on 3 August 1852 and the momentous event generated public celebrations and souvenir pieces such as sheet music score.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 theatres. In 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 significant ship was also a common reason for composing sheet music.
The CHUSAN was an iron-screw steamship built at Newcastle, England in 1852 with a small capacity of 690 tons. It was used on the Australian trade run during the mid-19th century and was the inaugural ship for the P&O line. In 1852 the ship came to Melbourne and Sydney carrying mail from Britain, in what was the first time a steamship had replaced a sailing vessel. Its arrival generated great excitement and jubilation with a ball being held and music specifically composed for the event. When the CHUSAN travelled to Melbourne it was met with a similar reception. Chusan conducted a regular service from Singapore to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney every two months. In 1861 it was sold to new owners from Hong Kong.Significance'The CHUSAN Waltz' represents popular dance music in Australia during the mid-19th century and the celebrations associated with the CHUSAN, an important vessel for the Australian mail service.
