[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 (11–20)
No One Can Stop ItElsa, Max and the Captain
This song is not used in the film version.
In the stage musical, Max, Captain von Trapp, and his fiancée Elsa debate their views on the Nazis, and their opinions are expressed through the lyrics.
Because of these differences in viewpoint, Captain von Trapp comes to consider breaking off his relationship with Elsa.
In the film version, however, the reason for their breakup is portrayed less as a political disagreement and more as a clash of lifestyles: Elsa is shown as desiring a luxurious life in Vienna, which conflicts with Captain von Trapp’s preference for a simpler way of life.
LaendlerIrwin Kostal
An elegant triple-meter dance based on Austria’s traditional waltz graces a pivotal scene in the film The Sound of Music.
Used at the ball that marks a turning point in the story, this striking piece symbolizes the budding feelings between Maria and Captain von Trapp.
Irwin Kostal’s delicate arrangement beautifully fuses the simplicity of folk dance with a romantic atmosphere.
Recorded as part of the film’s soundtrack and released by RCA Records in March 1965, it has continued to be beloved by music fans in various editions, including the 50th Anniversary release and the Super Deluxe Edition.
Its unhurried, graceful character makes it ideal for moments when you want to calm your mind or share an elegant time with someone special.
Do-Re-Mi” (reprise)Maria, the Captain, and the children
Do-Re-Mi is the song best known from this film, and in the latter half it is performed as their main number at the music festival, where the excitement peaks.
This version is arranged differently from the first picnic scene and is sung as a splendid choral piece.
Due to the way it’s edited, the song only plays from the latter half, but with Nazi soldiers looking on, the tense atmosphere surrounding Maria and Captain von Trapp, contrasted with the children’s innocent chorus, makes it fun to compare this rendition with the first version.
Goodbye Maria/ How Can Love Survive WaltzEvadne Baker, Anna Lee, Portia Nelson, Marni Nixon performing
A waltz that blends charm and elegance, this piece is distinguished by the clear, beautiful harmonies of Evadne Baker, Anna Lee, Portia Nelson, and Marni Nixon.
The warm voices of the nuns in the abbey meld together to create a light, humorous atmosphere.
Written for the film The Sound of Music and included on the soundtrack for the 1965 release, it was also featured on the 50th-anniversary edition in 2015 and continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a perfect song for moments when you want to feel calm or soothe your heart.
Sixteen Going on Seventeen (reprise)Maria and Liesl
This song, which was sung in the first half by the von Trapp family’s eldest daughter, Liesl, and the telegram delivery boy, Rolf, appears again in the second half with different lyrics.
Maria, now a mother figure, gently sings to Liesl, whose romance with Rolf did not work out.
The song’s message is that a good person will come along soon and happiness will follow, so there’s no need to rush—just wait.
Although the melody is the same, the singing style and lyrics give it a very different feel.
Maria comes across as both a kind mother and a dependable older sister.
An Ordinary Couple (A Normal Married Couple)Maria and the Captain
This song appeared in the stage musical, but when it was adapted into a film, it was replaced by a song called “Something Good.” The lyrics describe the two of us, who came from different paths and met in the middle, living simply as an ordinary couple, and the melody is beautiful as well—so many people might wish they could have heard it in the movie version, too.
It’s a hidden gem with many fans, and it seems like a perfect choice for a wedding.
[Timeless Masterpiece] Popular songs from The Sound of Music. Recommended tracks (21–30)
Processional and Maria (Processional hymn and Maria)The Cast Of The Sound Of Music
This is the piece that plays during Maria’s wedding ceremony to Captain von Trapp.
The first half is a solemn tune fitting for the occasion, and to its strains Maria walks up to the altar with a dignified step.
Gradually, the song “Maria,” which the nuns had sung earlier, overlays it and the vocals begin.
The lyrics are the same as the ones from the beginning—about how Maria is troublesome but impossible to dislike—so it’s delightfully amusing and draws a laugh.
The warm looks from the members of the abbey are wonderful, too.