I'm Afloat

Composer Henry Russell (1812 - 1900)

Datec 1850

Object number00027136

NameSheet music

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 347 x 256 mm, 0.02 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Music

Terms

Description'I'm Afloat' was taken from a volume of sheet music printed in London, titled 'The Musical Bouquet'. It is decorated with a lithograph of an unidentified sailing ship. The popular musical entertainer Henry Russell composed and performed this piece at concerts and recitals in Britain. HistoryThe Musical Bouquet was a popular series of piano music published weekly as individual pieces, and every six months as bound volumes. William Strange and James Bingley started publishing The Musical Bouquet in January 1845, likely influenced by the success of another musical series, The Musical Treasury. The songs published by the Musical Bouquet, prior to copyright legislation, were largely sourced from other publishers and by the height of its popularity in the 1860s, it was releasing up to eight copies a week. Sheet music offers an insight into popular culture and social values at the time of their 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. 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 19th century society the sea and maritime vessels were an everyday accepted part of life, necessary for the transportation of commercial cargo, passengers, whalers, mail and naval forces. 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.