The Sound of Music
Celebrating the 59th Anniversary of a Family-Favorite Classic!
The Sound of Music Devon’s favorite film, and let’s face it....many of ours too! She has many fond memories of watching it with her father, singing along the whole way through!
The Sound of Music is Beloved for Several Reasons:
Timeless Story: The film tells a heartwarming story of love, family, and resilience, which resonates with audiences across generations.
Memorable Music: The musical score, composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, features iconic songs such as "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," and “Climb Every Mountain." These songs are not only catchy but also emotionally resonant.
Captivating Performances: Julie Andrews' portrayal of Maria, the spirited governess, and Christopher Plummer's performance as Captain von Trapp are widely praised. The chemistry between the characters adds depth to the story.
Scenic Setting: Set against the backdrop of the stunning Austrian Alps, the film offers breathtaking visuals that enhance the viewing experience.
Themes of Hope and Courage: "The Sound of Music" explores themes of courage, standing up for one's beliefs, and finding joy in the face of adversity, which continue to inspire audiences.
Overall, the film's combination of a compelling story, memorable music, strong performances, beautiful setting, and timeless themes has contributed to its enduring popularity and status as a beloved classic.
The real life von Trapp family's story is fascinating and extends well beyond the events depicted in "The Sound of Music."
After fleeing Austria to escape the annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938, the von Trapps initially settled in Italy. From there, they emigrated to the United States in 1939. Upon arriving in America, the family toured as the Trapp Family Singers, showcasing their musical talents across the country. They gained popularity for their harmonious singing and traditional Austrian folk songs.
Life in Vermont
In 1944, the family purchased a farm in Stowe, Vermont, which they later transformed into the Trapp Family Lodge. The lodge became a successful venture, offering accommodations, fine dining, and, of course, musical entertainment by the von Trapp family members themselves. Over time, the lodge expanded and became a renowned destination for tourists seeking a taste of Austrian hospitality in the picturesque Vermont countryside.
The von Trapps continued to perform together as a family choir, delighting audiences with their enchanting harmonies and repertoire of folk songs. They also recorded several albums, further establishing their musical legacy in America.
While the fame of "The Sound of Music" undoubtedly brought attention to the von Trapps, it was their talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that allowed them to thrive in their new home and leave a lasting impact on both the musical world and the hospitality industry in the United States.
Here are several similarities and differences between the film "The Sound of Music" and the real-life story of the von Trapp family:
Similarities:
Basic Storyline: The film follows the basic storyline of the von Trapp family's escape from Austria due to the Nazi occupation and their subsequent musical career.
Characters: Many of the characters in the film are based on real members of the von Trapp family, including Maria, Captain von Trapp, and the von Trapp children.
Music: While some songs in the film are original compositions for the movie, others are based on traditional Austrian folk songs that the von Trapp family performed in real life.
Settings: The film features many of the locations where the von Trapp family lived and performed, including their home in Austria and the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont.
Differences:
Timeline and Events: The film condenses and alters the timeline of events for dramatic effect. For example, the events leading up to the family's escape from Austria are simplified, and the romantic subplot between Maria and Captain von Trapp is exaggerated.
Character Portrayals: While the characters in the film are based on real people, their personalities and motivations are often fictionalized for cinematic purposes.
Details of the Escape: The film takes liberties with the details of the von Trapp family's escape from Austria, including the depiction of the famous "climb every mountain" scene, which is purely fictional.
Reception by the Family: While some members of the von Trapp family have expressed appreciation for the film's portrayal of their story and its impact on popular culture, others have criticized its inaccuracies and sensationalized elements.
Watkins Family Favorites
Devon has many fond memories of watching The Sound of Music with her father, Henry, who sadly passed away in 2023. We write this love note to The Sound of Music in honor of him and his favorite songs from the film:
Edelweiss
So Long, Farewell
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?
Overall, while "The Sound of Music" captures the essence of the von Trapp family's story and introduces audiences to their music and legacy, it should be viewed as a fictionalized adaptation rather than a documentary account of their lives. No matter how you look at it.... It’s a bona fide classic, and just like raindrops on roses, one of our favorite things!