"The Sound of Music": Fact Or Fiction Real Story of the Von Trapp Family

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

HAVE GERMAN WILL TRAVEL sound of Music "The Sound of Music": Fact or Fiction Real Story of the von Trapp Family Myth vs. Reality (conflicting accounts) Over the years, the von Trapps have given conflicting accounts of their departure from Europe. For example, according to a TIME magazine article, published in July 1949, they left Austria prior to the 2 Anschluss. P J In a TIME article published in Decem her, 193 8, it was stated that Maria was the mother of all of the captain's children, and that she and the captain were married to each other shortly after the 13 end of the First World War,l J which is contrary to the family's life story as currently told and marketed. The 1938 article also indicates that they came to the United States "(1]ast autumn," and states that they had spent time "barnstorm[ing] the Middle West and South," all of which suggests an arrival in 1937, 4 prior to Hitler's takeover of Austda, thus negating any idea that the family "escaped" from Austria[ l l Sworn documents, signed by Maria in connection with her naturalization as a U.S. citizen, indicate that her first child was born two months and thirteen days after her marriage to the CaptainY1 * * * Examining the historical record is helpful in separating fact from fiction, particularly in a case like the von Trapp family and The Sound of Music. In researching this article, I read Maria von Trapp's books, contemporary newspaper articles, and original documents, all of which clarified the difference between the von Trapps' real experiences and fictionalized accounts. My impression of Maria from Dinah Shore's show was the tip of a tantalizing iceberg: the real lives of real people are always more interesting than stories. The Landler dance performed by Maria and the Captain durjng the party is only loosely based on the traditional Austrian dance of the same name. Although many people believe that "Edelweiss" is a traditional Austrian song, in fact the song was written for the musical and did not become known in Austria until after the film's success. .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

THE SOUND of MUSIC Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles
experienceL.A. THE SOUND OF MUSIC Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles THE SOUND OF MUSIC The Sound of Music is a stage and film musical based on The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, the memoir of Maria von Trapp. The story takes place in Austria at the brink of World War II. Maria, a plucky nun turned governess, is charged with caring for the seven children of a military captain. Maria’s delightful teaching of music to the children leads to their becoming a celebrated touring act, the innocence of which is shattered as the realities of Nazi rule become inescapable. Notably, many details of the von Trapp family story were changed to increase the dramatic impact of the musical version. Inspired by a pair of German films about the von Trapps from the mid-1950s, the stage version of The Sound of Music premiered on Broadway in 1959. The production won multiple Tony Awards, and the show has been revived many times since, including a renowned 1998 Broadway revival. The 1965 film version starring Julie Andrews won five Academy Awards and is still beloved today by viewers around the world. Written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, the songs of The Sound of Music—including “My Favorite Things,” “Do, Re, Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and the title song—have been celebrated for more than half a century. RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN Composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein were one of the most prolific, successful songwriting teams in the history of musical theatre. The pair’s first collaboration, Oklahoma! (1943), marked the start of a new theatrical genre: the musical play, which combined elements of musical comedy, operetta, and drama.
[Show full text]
Oxford Proudly Supports the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Oxford proudly supports the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Enjoying your granddaughter’s ballet An Exceptional Everyday Experience It’s the little things in life that bring the most joy. At Twin Towers and Twin Lakes senior living communities, each day is filled with the wonderful things that make life sweeter – an entertaining show, delicious food, seeing your grandkids’ smiling faces. Find magic in the everyday. Call us to schedule a tour or visit us online at LEC.org. Oxford is independent and unbiased — and always will be. We are committed to providing families generational estate planning advice and institutions forward-thinking investment strategies. Twin Towers Twin Lakes 513.853.2000 513.247.1300 5343 Hamilton Avenue 9840 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH 45224 Cincinnati, OH 45242 Life Enriching Communities is affiliated with the West Ohio Conference CHICAGO ✦ CINCINNATI ✦ GRAND RAPIDS ✦ INDIANAPOLIS ✦ TWIN CITIES of the United Methodist Church and welcomes people of all faiths. 513.246.0800 ✦ WWW.OFGLTD.COM/CSO Oxford proudly supports the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Enjoying your granddaughter’s ballet An Exceptional Everyday Experience It’s the little things in life that bring the most joy. At Twin Towers and Twin Lakes senior living communities, each day is filled with the wonderful things that make life sweeter – an entertaining show, delicious food, seeing your grandkids’ smiling faces. Find magic in the everyday. Call us to schedule a tour or visit us online at LEC.org. Oxford is independent and unbiased — and always will be. We are committed to providing families generational estate planning advice and institutions forward-thinking investment strategies.
[Show full text]
Pink Martini Thomas Lauderdale Piano Storm Large Vocals Nicholas Crosa Violin Timothy Nishimoto Vocals, Percussion Phil Baker Ba
Pops Jeudi / Donnerstag / Thursday 10.10.2013 20:00 Grand Auditorium Pink Martini Thomas Lauderdale piano Storm Large vocals Nicholas Crosa violin Timothy Nishimoto vocals, percussion Phil Baker bass Daniel Faehnle guitar Anthony Jones drums Brian Davis drums, percussion Derek Rieth percussion Antonis Andreou trombone Gavin Bondy trumpet ~90’ sans entracte / ohne Pause / without intermission Interprètes Biographies IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Pink Martini Le plus français des groupes américains, après 2 disques d’or et 1 disque de platine, revient en octobre sur le devant de la scène avec «A Retrospective», son premier best of. Il s’agit d’une œuvre complète, qui illustre l’appétit créatif de Thomas Lauderdale, fondateur du groupe, depuis 15 ans: en plus d’of- frir une perspective originale sur le passé d’un groupe devenu aujourd’hui incontournable, elle comprend 7 morceaux inédits (dont «Moon River», en duo avec Gus Van Sant). Savant mé- lange de sonorités et de cultures de tous horizons, la musique de Pink Martini est un cocktail à déguster sans modération. L’aventure Pink Martini débute en 1994, dans l’Oregon. Origi- nellement centré autour de Thomas M. Lauderdale et China Forbes, le groupe aux inspirations et collaborations multiples chante en anglais, français, mais aussi espagnol, italien, japo- nais, croate… Leur style musical, éclectique, passe «d’une samba digne d’une parade à Rio de Janeiro à la musique d’un cabaret français des années 30 ou d’un palais napolitain, un peu comme une sorte de voyage musical urbain», d’après les mots de Thomas Lauderdale. «On essaye de créer une sorte de char- mant environnement musical, dont on peut augmenter ou bais- ser le volume, et jouer en toute occasion, ou presque: musique d’ambiance, aventure amoureuse ou quand on passe l’aspira- teur chez soi!».
[Show full text]
The Sound of Music Tonight’S the Night! NBC Brings the SOUND of MUSIC to Your Home, Live on Television at Two 8Pm (7Pm CT)
REPRODUCIBLE MASTER ACTIVITY The Sound of Music Tonight’s the night! NBC brings THE SOUND OF MUSIC to your home, live on television at TWO 8pm (7pm CT). And here’s your program for the show! The Story The Songs Just like a real theater program, this one provides a For musicals, like THE SOUND OF MUSIC, the theater program summary of the story — called a synopsis — to help usually lists all the songs and the characters who sing them. To you follow the action and recognize all the characters. add some fun, the characters aren’t listed on your program. You The musical is set in Austria, in 1938, just prior to and your family can fill in the names as you watch the show! World War II. Maria Rainer wants to become a nun, Act 1 but she finds it hard to follow all the rules of the abbey. To help her, the Mother Abbess sends Maria off to care Preludium _____________________________________________ for the seven children of Captain Georg Von Trapp, a THE SOUND OF MUSIC __________________________________ retired navy officer whose wife died only a few years ago. Captain Von Trapp is very strict with his children, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? __________________ but Maria soon has them singing and playing together. My Favorite Things ______________________________________ Before long, even the Captain is singing along! Do-Re-Mi _____________________________________________ Later, at a party for Elsa Schraeder, the woman he is planning to marry, the Captain lets the children Sixteen Going on Seventeen______________________________ perform for the guests.
[Show full text]
HAVE GERMAN WILL TRAVEL SOUND of MUSIC Maria Augusta Kutschera Von Trapp (1905 to 1987)
HAVE GERMAN WILL TRAVEL sound of Music SOUND OF MUSIC Maria Augusta Kutschera von Trapp (1905 to 1987) Biography Maria Augusta Kutschera - born on a train heading from her parents' village in Tyrol to a hospital in Vienna, Austria - was an orphan by her seventh birthday. She graduated from the State Teachers College for Progressive EducationP1 in Vienna at age 18, in 1923. She entered Nonnberg Abbey, a Benedictine (Roman Catholic) monastery in Salzburg, intending to become a nun.r4J While still a school teacher at Nonnberg Abbey, she was asked to teach one of the seven children of widowed naval commander Georg Ludwig von Trapp and bis first wife, Agathe Whitehead von Trapp, who had died from scarlet fever. Maria and Georg were married on 26 November l 92i2U1J. In 1935, Trapp lost his fortuneP1 which had been safely invested in a bank in London. The Captain, to help a Mrs. Lammer - a fi:iend in the banking business - had withdrawn the money from the English bank and deposited it in Mrs. Lammer's bank, which promptly failed. Austria had been experiencing economic difficulties as a result of German pressure and other factors. To survive, the Trapps sent away most of their servants, moved into the top floor of their home, and rented the empty rooms to students of the Catholic University. The Archbishop sent Father Franz Wasner to stay with them as their chaplain and the family began turning its love of music into a career. 5 After performing at a festival in 1935, they became a popular touring act.
[Show full text]
BIOGRAPHY in 1994 in His Hometown of Portland, Oregon, Thomas Lauderdale Was Working in Politics, Thinking That One Day He Would Run for Mayor
BIOGRAPHY In 1994 in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, Thomas Lauderdale was working in politics, thinking that one day he would run for mayor. Like other eager politicians-in- training, he went to every political fundraiser under the sun… but was dismayed to find the music at these events underwhelming, lackluster, loud and un-neighborly. Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world – crossing genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop – and hoping to appeal to conservatives and liberals alike, he founded the “little orchestra” Pink Martini in 1994 to provide more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks for political fundraisers for causes such as civil rights, affordable housing, the environment, libraries, public broadcasting, education and parks. One year later, Lauderdale called China Forbes, a Harvard classmate who was living in New York City, and asked her to join Pink Martini. They began to write songs together. Their first song “Sympathique” became an overnight sensation in France, was nominated for “Song of the Year” at France’s Victoires de la Musique Awards, and to this day remains a mantra (“Je ne veux pas travailler” or “I don’t want to work”) for striking French workers. Says Lauderdale, “We’re very much an American band, but we spend a lot of time abroad and therefore have the incredible diplomatic opportunity to represent a broader, more inclusive America… the America which remains the most heterogeneously populated country in the world… composed of people of every country, every language, every religion.” Featuring a dozen musicians, Pink Martini performs its multilingual repertoire on concert stages and with symphony orchestras throughout Europe, Asia, Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, Northern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South America and North America.
[Show full text]
Maria Von Trapp and Her Family
NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION AND THE 5TH AVENUE THEATRE PRESENT A LOOK INSIDE LIVE ON STAGE AT THE 5TH AVENUE THEATRE NOV 24, 2015 - JAN 3, 2016 Photo by Mark Kitaoka $29 STUDENT GROUP TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR MOST PERFORMANCES Call (888) 625-1418 for more information 2015/16 SEASON SPONSORS OFFICIAL AIRLINE PRODUCTION SPONSOR CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR RESTAURANT SPONSOR Rodgers and Hammerstein, the men behind the magic The multiple award-winning musical The Sound of Music was the last collaboration between composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Together they wrote some of the most beloved shows of the golden age of musicals. RICHARD RODGERS composed his first songs OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II at a summer camp, then wrote music for college was born into a show business shows at Columbia University. A friend introduced family. His grandfather won him to a smart young lyric writer, Larry Hart, who and lost several fortunes shared his ambitious artistic goals. The two wrote building theaters and opera several clever scores, but they attracted little houses, and his father attention and Rodgers seriously considered an managed the biggest offer to quit and sell children’s underwear. vaudeville palace in Manhattan. They finally got their big break in 1925 with a The family wanted him to small benefit show that won raves from the critics. become a lawyer, but show For the next fifteen years, Rodgers & Hart were business was in his blood and one of the top teams on Broadway, writing 28 he quit law school to write stage musicals and over 500 songs. lyrics for Broadway musicals.
[Show full text]
"The Sound of Music": Fact Or Fiction Real Story of the Von Trapp Family
HAVE GERMAN WILL TRAVEL sound of Music "The Sound of Music": Fact or Fiction Real Story of the von Trapp Family "The Hills Are Alive!" Interview with Agathe von Trapp, author of "Memories Before and After 'The Sound of Music'" October 28, 20 I 0 Editor's note: Stricken in November with congestive heart failure, Agathe van Trapp died on Dec. 28, 2010. Few shows are as beloved as The Sound ofMusic. It has inspired countless theater productions, tours, revivals, soundtracks, public sing-alongs and "spontaneous" performances - not to mention private concerts with fans belting out "The hills are alive ... ! " and every lyric of "My Favorite Things" all on their own. So popular is the movie - still- it has inspired a full-cast reunion on Oprah, complete with adoring, screaming fans. To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the movie, the AARP Bulletin sat down with Agathe von Trapp, the oldest daughter of the famous musical family. - Don't recognize her name? Not surprising, since the movie was quite different from what really happened to the von Trapps in Austria before and during World War 11. There was no Liest, and the children's father was far from a tyrant. A beloved, gentle man, he encouraged Agathe to learn beekeeping and took the children on extended camping trips filled with music. And while actress Julie Andrews made Maria, their movie-version stepmother, famous, the real stepmother wasn't called Maria at all, but Gusti. Agathe, now 97, has a great sense of humor, a peaceful smile and traces of a German accent.
[Show full text]
The Scene This Week in Local Music: Elisabeth Von Trapp
The Scene This week in local music: Elisabeth Von Trapp Kate Bredimus Richmond.com Wednesday December 8, 2004 Elisabeth Von Trapp's life has been a musical one. This is only natural, considering that she is a member of the curtain-wearing, Nazi-evading clan immortalized on stage and in film by "The Sound of Music." Elisabeth's father, Werner Von Trapp, was portrayed as the stoic Kurt in the movie, and grew up to become a member of the Trapp Family Singers. Her grandfather is Captain Von Trapp, and her step-grandmother is the famous flibbertigibbet, Maria. Growing up in Vermont, Werner would sing both Austrian and American folk songs to Elisabeth, her sister and four brothers. These early influences would help sculpt her own music later on, a blend of classical, folk, and pop. Elisabeth's lustrous, emotionally resonant singing and intricate guitar playing recalls anyone from Schubert to Joni Mitchell. And yes, she does "Edelweiss" too. We chatted with the singer/guitarist about her new album, Poetic Justice, which gives musical life to the poems of Robert Frost, and what it's like growing up Trapp. For Poetic License, you had to get permission from Frost's publisher, Henry Holt & Co., to use his poems before scoring and recording the music. How long has the process taken? The idea stemmed from my album in 1997, One Heart, One Mind. With the first Robert Frost poem, "A Minor Bird," came the idea that it'd be nice to have an album and focus on a project. It was a beautiful experience, to work more artistically on a project.
[Show full text]
293017522.Pdf
2 DECEMBER 10, 2015 METROWEEKLY.COM METROWEEKLY.COM DECEMBER 10, 2015 3 EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Randy Shulman DECEMBER 10, 2015 ART DIRECTOR Volume 22 / Issue 32 Todd Franson MANAGING EDITOR Rhuaridh Marr NEWS 6 Rights AlliAnce SENIOR EDITOR by John Riley John Riley CONTRIBUTING EDITOR 8 Blood cRiminAls Doug Rule by John Riley SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS 12 Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim community cAlendAR CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR Scott G. Brooks CONTRIBUTING WRITERS FEATURES 16 FiRst lAdy Gordon Ashenhurst, Sean Bugg, Connor J. Hogan, With the dAnish giRl, tom hooper Troy Petenbrink, Kate Wingfield brings to life the story of WEBMASTER lili elbe, an oft-forgotten David Uy transgender pioneer by Rhuaridh Marr PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Julian Vankim 20 gilded lily SALES & MARKETING the danish girl Film Review PUBLISHER by Rhuaridh Marr Randy Shulman BRAND STRATEGY & MARKETING 22 he von RApps peRFoRm with the Christopher Cunetto t t Cunetto Creative NSO pops And stephAnie J. Block by Doug Rule NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media Co. 212-242-6863 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER OUT ON THE TOWN 24 gmcw’s sAntA, JeRRy lee Dennis Havrilla by Tim Rosenberger STAGE 33 sons of the prophet PATRON SAINT by Doug Rule Holly Woodlawn GAMES 35 Just Cause 3 by Rhuaridh Marr COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Focus Features NIGHTLIFE 39 tRAde gRAnd opening photography by Ward Morrison METRO WEEKLY 1425 K St. NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20005 202-638-6830 46 lAst woRd MetroWeekly.com All material appearing in Metro Weekly is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers.
[Show full text]
Playbill Sep
2014–2015 SEASON PLAYBILL SEP. 17–OCT. 30 © The &oca&ola &ompany Ľ&okeľ and the &ontour Bottle are trademarks of The &oca&ola &ompany 2 /`ba 1S\bS` C;Oaa 4W\S ]T bVS ac^^]`bS` Wa O ^`]cR 1]QO1]ZO1 0Òd]0 / C ] a Wa A Notable Lifestyle Celebrating lifelong enjoyment of the arts Discover gracious, refined independent living in a social and dynamic environment. Meet passionate, enlightened residents–from academics to artists–that will inspire you. The Loomis Communities offer an unparalleled lifestyle with superior amenities and services—with the added peace of mind for the future that comes from access to LiveWell@Loomis. APPLEWOOD LOOMIS VILLAGE Amherst, MA South Hadley, MA 413-253-9833 413-532-5325 The Western Massachusetts www.loomiscommunities.org Pioneer in Senior Living 3 Insuring The Arts Play Onn Local Insurance Agency Local Insurance Agency InsuringYourWay.com 'MPSFODFt&BTUIBNQUPO Yo u CAN StudyStudSSttuddyy Abroad!AAbbror ad!d! ScholarshipsSScchhoollaarsrshhiippss availableavavaililababllee Education Abroad Advising Center (Open M – F, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) International Programs Office, Rm. 455 Hills South, across from Studio Arts Building www.ipo.umass.edu (413-545-5247) 4 5 Good thinking. NEW ENGLAND PUBLIC RADIO News. Classical. Jazz. Amherst / Springfield / Hartford .................................. WFCR 88.5 FM North Adams .................................................................................. 101.1 FM Great Barrington ............................................................................98.7 FM Lee ....................................................................................................98.3
[Show full text]
Request of Patrick Dinan to Address Council Regarding Portland Police
Whereas, in response to a homophobic Oregon ballot measure in 1994, a young pianist with political aspirations named Thomas Lauderdale, long dismayed by what he perceived as lackluster music at political fundraisers, brought the Del Rubio Triplets (made famous on Pee Wee’s Playhouse) to Portland for the first time, founded Pink Martini to open for them, and continued thereafter performing to improve the entertainment at events in support of progressive causes, to effect change, and have fun along the way; and Whereas, in a flash of inspiration, Thomas Lauderdale called his friend China Forbes, his partner in mischief and music during their student days at Harvard, to be the singing voice of his new band, and thereafter assembled a motley group of talented roving regional musicians, including (but not limited to) over the years: Storm Large, Phil Baker, Gavin Bondy, Nicholas Crosa, Brian Lavern Davis, Dan Faehnle, Timothy Nishimoto, Robert Taylor, Antonis Andreou, Miguel Bernal, Reinhardt Melz, Andrew Borger, Anthony Jones, Martin Zarzar, Doug Smith, William Seiji Marsh, Edna Vazquez, Jimmie Herrod, Maureen Love, Pansy Chang, and Derek Rieth; and Whereas, in the band’s nascent days, Thomas Lauderdale was Pink Martini’s Master of Ceremonies, Marketing Director and Minister of Fun, all rolled into one, hosting elaborate themed dress-up concert parties such as the Wild Kingdom Rumba, Fluffy Bunny, Havana 3am, and The Blue Blue Danube Waltz; and meanwhile taxing the capacity of copy machines all over the city to promote the band’s events with
[Show full text]