[Timeless Masterpiece] Popular songs from The Sound of Music. Recommended tracks.
Even if you don’t actually know the story, you’ve probably heard the name The Sound of Music at least once.
It’s a masterful 1965 musical film that has gone down in cinema history, directed by Robert Wise—who created classics over many decades, including before the war—and starring Julie Andrews, the British-born actress who rose to become a Hollywood star.
As a musical, the film features many iconic songs, all of which continue to be loved by people around the world.
In this article, we’ve compiled and introduced a selection of those beloved numbers!
In the first half, we cover the songs used in the film, and in the second half we highlight numbers that appear only in the stage version.
It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the work!
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[Timeless Masterpiece] Popular songs from The Sound of Music. Recommended tracks (1–10)
The Lonely GoatherdMaria and the Children
Come to think of it, this song was also one of the numbers from The Sound of Music, though it’s so well-known on its own that you only realize it later.
It’s a cheerful song about a goatherd, with yodel-like calls, and it’s sung when the Von Trapp children put on a play in the musical.
All the songs in this musical were written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, and their range and talent are truly astonishing.
I Have Confidence (With Confidence)MARIA
Encouraged by the abbess, Maria has resolved to become the von Trapp family’s governess.
Even so, she can’t quite hide her anxieties.
This is the song that plays as Maria leaves the abbey and travels to the von Trapp household.
It’s charming how the verse begins brimming with unease, then bursts into a buoyant surge of self-confidence as she forges ahead.
The guitar case in her hand even looks like a weapon protecting her.
It’s a song that gives you a sense that something is about to happen.
Maria (Maria)Nuns Chorus
Maria had been in a convent until she started working as a governess for the von Trapp family, and this is a song sung there by the nuns.
As a piece of music, it may not be moving enough to be called a masterpiece, but as a comic song that conveys her everyday life and personality, it can be considered one of the charming short pieces.
The scene in which the nuns regard Maria as a problem child, yet also recognize her charm, makes one think it may have somehow influenced the film Sister Act.
[Timeless Masterpiece] Popular Songs from The Sound of Music. Recommended Tracks (11–20)
Something Good (Nanika Yoi Koto)Maria and the Captain
This song was written for the 1965 film version.
Since Oscar Hammerstein II had already passed away by then, Richard Rodgers handled the lyrics as well.
Maria, who is about to marry Captain von Trapp, sings that such a wonderful thing has happened to her because of the good deeds she has done.
The nighttime setting, showing only Maria and Captain von Trapp, creates a more delicate effect.
In the latter half, Captain von Trapp also sings.
Edelweiss (reprise)The Captain, Maria, the Children and Chorus
In the film version, this song appears twice, and this is the second scene.
It’s treated like an encore number and is performed as a guitar-and-vocal solo by Captain von Trapp in front of the public.
Overcome with emotion, Captain von Trapp can’t continue into the second verse, so Maria starts singing to help him, and the children follow.
The audience then joins in as well, and a fervent patriotism swells among the people.
The irritated expressions of the Nazi officials are striking.
Imagining the feelings of the von Trapp family—loving their homeland yet having to leave—fills one with an indescribable emotion.
So Long, Farewell” (reprise)Maria, the Captain, and the children
The song that was performed at the Von Trapp family’s party is sung again as the final number at the music festival.
The Von Trapp family knows this song will become their true farewell before going into exile.
Though it appears to be just another performance, it reveals their firm resolve.
Unlike when the song first appears, both Maria and Captain von Trapp sing “goodbye” over and over.
Thinking about what they must be feeling makes it very complicated, doesn’t it? It’s a heart-pounding scene for viewers too, wondering whether their escape will succeed.
Morning Hymn & Alleluia (Asa no Sanbika ~ Hallelujah)Nuns Chorus
Here is the song sung during the solemn morning worship at the convent where Maria is an apprentice.
It’s the kind of piece that makes you think it’s not an original song written for a musical, but rather a hymn that has been sung in churches for ages.
And while the song is still playing, an incident that often happens at this convent occurs: Maria is nowhere to be found.
She’s been singing while gazing at the mountain scenery and has forgotten the time for worship.
Even so, it seems that everyone loves Maria.