With age comes nostalgia of the many symbols that surrounded home and our growing up years and one film that almost all of our generation have carried in their souls and sung a thousand times, would be the magic of the 1965 musical ‘Sound of Music’ and words of one song that lead actress Julie Andrews sings has that everlasting effect ‘Hills are alive with the sound of music, with songs they have sung for a thousand years’ !
The film remains an all time classic that’s been loved by the generations that followed for the purity and melody of it’s music by Rodgers & Hammerstein and the heavenly voice of Julie Andrews, who won the ‘Oscar’ for her unforgettable role of ‘Maria’. One song, however was sung in the male voice and went on to become so hugely popular that it’s said that it was Andrew’s favourite song from the iconic musical score of the film !
The song ‘Edelweiss’ was sung by Canadian actor, Christopher Plummer who superbly played the lead role of Captain Von Trapp. The Edelweiss flower was worn as a symbol of opposition to the Nazi party in the World War II years. In the film, Baron von Trapp sings “Edelweiss,” as a musical tribute to his homeland at the concert with his family.
Evoking an authentic Austrian folk ballad, the song serves as subtle protest against the Nazi annexation of the Captain’s beloved Austria. It was written for the musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, who wanted to create a song for Captain von Trapp that would subtly convey his regret and his sadness and his pre-emptive nostalgia at having to leave Austria after the Nazi takeover.
Even now ‘Sound of Music’ is a go-to, feel good movie that takes us back in time and ‘Edelweiss’ in Plummer’s baritone is so soothing. Love to croon it when in the mood !
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