The LIGHTNING Galop

Composer Charles Louis Napoleon d'Albert (1809-1886)

Publisher Chappell & Company Ltd

Datec 1854

Object number00006436

NameSheet music

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 346 x 265 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

Description'The Lightning Galop' is an eight-page booklet of sheet music featuring a hand coloured chromolithograph of the clipper ship LIGHTNING. The vessel is shown from its starboard side, half rigged with a swallow-tailed flag flying from the mainmast. LIGHTNING was an extreme clipper ship built by Donald McKay and launched at East Boston in 1853. This musical score was written for a full orchestra and probably composed to coincide with the ship's launch.HistoryCharles d'Albert was a French composer who migrated to England and produced at least 300 pieces of work during his career, including 81 quadrilles, 76 waltzes, 64 polkas and 48 galops. His musical scores were made for piano duets, orchestral arrangements and military bands. D'Albert is known to have composed a number of pieces around famous ships of his time. The LIGHTNING was built in 1853 by Donald McKay of Boston, USA for James Baines & Co of Liverpool and their Black Ball Line of Australian passenger ships. The vessel was renowned for its extensive passenger accommodation and speedy passages across the globe, setting speed records on a number of its journeys. LIGHTNING was destroyed by a fire at Geelong, Victoria on 30 October 1869. Sheet 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 for the general public. Music was integral to peoples' social interaction at home and at public events such as balls, recitals, concerts and theatres. By the mid-19th century many middle class families owned a piano and waltzes, quadrilles, galops, polkas and mazurkas were everyday favourites. The sheet music covered a range of themes including travel, plays and literature, with the launch of a ship being a common reason for composing a piece.SignificanceThis booklet's musical score and lithograph represent 19th century trade to Australia and the famous clipper ship LIGHTNING.