The Essex by Zachary Archer Sheet Music for SATB Choir at Sheet Music Direct
Log In
1769425
Cover Art for "The Essex" by Zachary Archer PASS

The Essex
by Zachary Archer SATB Choir - Digital Sheet Music

A$4.99
Sales tax calculated at checkout.

Unauthorized duplication hurts music creators. Please ensure you purchase the number of copies needed to accommodate all members of your ensemble. Minimum 10 copies.

Free access with trial. A$ 14.99/month after. Cancel anytime.
Purchase of The Essex includes:
Interactive sheet music
  • Transpose to any key
  • Playback
  • Tempo control
  • Print and download PDF in all keys
Official publisher PDF download (printable)
Access anywhere, including our free app

This item is not eligible for PASS discount.

Product Details


Product Description

The Essex was a whaling ship from Nantucket that set sail on August 12th, 1819 for an almost three year journey. On November 20th, 1820, a whale of great size rammed into the ship twice; sinking it and forcing the crew to the whaleboats. Of the original twenty-one man crew, only eight survived the ninety-three days they spent at sea. Their failed journey was recounted later in a memoir by the first mate Owen Chase, who described the dark details of what had occurred during their time at sea. This event would later inspire the Herman Melville to write his novel, Moby Dick. The piece is divided into chapter-like sections, describing the beginning of the Essex's journey, the whale attack, their survival and cannibalism at sea, and finally their return to Nantucket. Each "chapter" uses musical themes and effects to reflect the emotions and chaos of the whalers' situation, until finally a pastoral, hymn-like ending brings the whalers' back home to Nantucket.

This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.