The KONOOWARRA Polka
Composer
Charles Huenerbein
(1859 - 1908)
Datec 1880
Object number00027127
NameSheet music
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 328 x 250 mm, 0.02 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
Collections
Description'The KONOOWARRA Polka' was dedicated to Captain F H Stanford and features a lithograph of the steamship KONOOWARRA from its starboard side at sea. The front cover features a portrait of Captain Stanford.
Polka was a popular dance during the 19th century and musical pieces were often dedicated to a ship and its crew.HistoryThe KONOOWARRA was a 1273-ton steam ship built in 1880 and used for transporting goods and passengers between Australian ports including Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. It was scrapped off Townsville in 1915.
Sheet music offers an insight into popular culture and social values at the time of its production. The widely distributed pieces were sold fairly cheaply, making them popular purchases for the general public. Music was integral to people's social life in the home and at public events such as balls, recitals, concerts and theatre shows.
Significance'The KONOOWARRA Polka' represents a ship that was active on the Australian trade route carrying passengers and cargo. It illustrates how vessels were commemorated and promoted through sheet music.
