Notes from the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration: Gerald S. Doorly's songs of the 'morning

This article explores the earliest known pieces of music composed directly in response to Antarctica: a series of songs written by Gerald S. Doorly and John D. Morrison aboard the relief vessel Morning, which was sent from England to Antarctica to locate and re-supply Captain Robert Falcon Scott and company aboard the icebound Discovery in July 1902 as part of the British National Antarctic Expedition 1901-1904. These songs not only document the journey south and the explorers’ Antarctic experiences; importantly, they also offer valuable insight into a little-considered aspect of the history of Antarctic exploration - that is, what the explorers did to entertain themselves and keep spirits high during long voyages at sea and freezing cold, lonely nights in Antarctica.