Composer

:

Richard Rodgers

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1959

First Performance

:

Nov 16, 1959

Average_duration

:

63:37

The Sound of Music is a musical composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The plot is based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. The musical tells the story of Maria, a young postulant who becomes a governess to the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp, a widower and retired naval officer. Maria brings music and joy into the lives of the children and eventually falls in love with the Captain. However, their happiness is threatened by the Nazi invasion of Austria and the family's refusal to join the Nazi party. The Sound of Music was composed in 1959 and premiered on Broadway in 1960. The original production starred Mary Martin as Maria and Theodore Bikel as Captain von Trapp. The musical was a critical and commercial success, running for over 1,400 performances and winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The musical is divided into two acts and features several memorable songs, including "Do-Re-Mi," "My Favorite Things," "Edelweiss," and the title song, "The Sound of Music." The music is characterized by its catchy melodies, lush orchestration, and use of choral singing. The Sound of Music has been adapted into several films and stage productions, including the 1965 film adaptation starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The film was a box office success and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The musical has also been noted for its themes of family, love, and resistance to oppression. The von Trapp family's refusal to join the Nazi party and their eventual escape to Switzerland has been seen as a symbol of hope and resistance in the face of tyranny. Overall, The Sound of Music is a beloved musical that has captured the hearts of audiences for over six decades. Its memorable songs, engaging plot, and themes of love and resistance continue to resonate with audiences today.

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