HITLER AND HAMMERSTEIN

HITLER AND HAMMERSTEIN
Much has been said about the Third Reich, but few works have had such international appeal as Rodgers and Hammerstein’s popular 1959 musical theatre hit, The Sound of Music. A turning point in the work that causes us to penetrate the stoic shell of Captain von Trapp, when he sings for his children, accompanying himself on his guitar. He will sing this charming folksong, Edelweis, again just before the family escapes from the captivity of the Nazi soldiers at the Salzburg Festival. Rodgers and Hammerstein have written their own version of a traditional Austrian folk tune entitled Heidenröslein, whose setting was made most famous by Franz Schubert. It is the tale of a sweet highland flower, representative of the noble, free, gentle spirits of the Austrians. Heidenröslein has continued to be the “unofficial” anthem of Austria. When van Trapp choses to sing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s version of the folk tune it makes a strong statement about patriotism and courage. It is no wonder that this simple moment in the drama speaks to the heart.