“The Sound of Music” ~ A family tradition
August 9th, 2009
As I sat in the auditorium listening to the music, I couldn’t help but be taken back to days long ago when I sat with my own parents watching “The Sound of Music.” To me, as a child, it was simply the story of a family who learned to sing and for some reason it was necessary for them to leave their homeland, traveling over cold and dark mountains to make their way to a better land. It was years later before I would truly understand the meaning of the Nazi’s taking over Austria and the reason for the von Trapp family to make their journey. Once I understood the ‘back-story’ the musical took on an entirely new meaning for me and I have never been able to watch the movie (on TV) or the production (on stage) in the same manner again.
This weekend, my husband and I took our daughter to see the stage production of “The Sound of Music” and again I was taken back by the magnitude of the story being told. My daughter is only 8 years old and she has enjoyed “The Sound of Music” on television for years…so seeing the stage production was a treat for her. As it turned out, it was a blessing for me as well. As the curtain went up scene after scene and the musical numbers played out, I was able to enjoy it all over again with that childish innocence through my daughter’s eyes. She sang along to every number, a smile on her face, feet tapping and clapping more and more loudly as each scene passed.
I could not help but think about how wonderful life is, that we can take a horrible experience and create something magical out of it. Something that has brought together families (in front of a tv or stage) for generations. I am grateful for these years, when my daughter can enjoy the songs, the story and the adventure with a child’s heart and innocence as I know there will come a day when she fully begins to understand the reasons behind the von Trapp Family’s story…and her innocence surrounding “The Sound of Music” will be forever gone.
On another note, the Mansfield Community Theatre did share some interesting tidbits related to “The Sound of Music” in their playbill. A little bit of “Fact vs. Fiction,” enjoy!
Loosely based on the first section of Maria’s book “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers,” published in 1949, there were many alterations and omissions.
1. Maria came to the von Trapp family in 1926 as a tutor for one of the children who was recovering from scarlet fever. Agathe Whitehead was Georg’s first wife who had died of scarlet fever.
2. Maria and Georg married in 1927, 11 years before the family left Austria, not before the Nazi takeover of Austria. She did not marry Georg because she was in love with him but first fell in love with the children and however “by and by I learned to love him more than I have ever loved before or after.”
3. There were 10 children, not 7. The family was already musically inclined but she did teach them madrigals.
4. Georg was not cold and detached but rather a gentle and warmhearted parent. Maria was kind and caring but had a “terrible temper” according to the children.
5. The family did not escape over the Alps to freedom in Switzerland but went to Italy by train. They did tell people that they were going to America to sing and a booking agent from America paid fares.
6. The family lost most of its wealth through the worldwide depression in the 1930′s. They did begin singing, although Georg was reluctant, and won first prize in the Salzburg Music Festival in 1936 becoming very successful.
7. When the Nazis annexed Austria in 1938, the von Trapps realized it was a regime they abhorred. Georg not only refused to fly the Nazi flag but also declined a naval command and a request to sing at Hitler’s birthday party.
8.. Max Detweiler is a fictional character while it was Rev. Franz Wasner who acted as their musical director for over 20 years.
9. In 1940 the family settled in Stowe, Vermont, on a farm and ran a music camp. Georg died in 1947 and was buried in the family cemetery on their farm. Maria continued running the Trapp Family Lodge which still operates today. She died in 1987.
Be healthy, be focused and be the best you that you can possibly be!
In gratitude,
Caryn Gottlieb FitzGerald
Pick up a copy of my latest book here!
If what you just read inspired, motivated or touched you in any way, don’t miss another post…click here to subscribe to my RSS feed
Caryn Gottlieb FitzGerald has been a network marketer and connector since 1990. She is a published author, her passion is writing and she spends much of her free time meditating and connecting with like minded individuals. Caryn walked away from Corporate America in 2003, she continues to achieve the goals she sets for herself and has created the life of her dreams. Today, Caryn assists others in creating the lifestyles they desire through network marketing, privately owned businesses and spiritual lifestyle coaching. Ready to move forward in your life?
Connect with Caryn at: http://www.carynfitzgerald.com/contact.htm
Or on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/carynfitzgerald
EmbracingMyJourney L.L.C. was created by Caryn FitzGerald in 2008.
Caryn, known as "The Manifesting Queen" is a motivational columnist, speaker and writer, she has been featured in and published several books, including "Tulips In The Sand" "Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans" “Manifest Success” “Visual Arts Junction Interviews” & “Online Marketing Success Stories..."
Caryn is a domestic violence survivor who has triumphed over a 10-year battle with anorexia and bulimia. She is a wife, mother, writer, speaker, blogger, coach and a health food enthusiast Click to connect with Caryn at her website Or click here to get inspired by her latest ebook “Living the Life of My Dreams” There may be paid links on this page, click here to read the blog disclaimer.
If you enjoyed this post, click here to receive a little motivation in your inbox each day!!
