A song written for a musical
Rodgers and Hammerstein created Edelweiss for The Sound of Music. Its resemblance to a folk song is part of its effect, rather than evidence that it is Austria’s national anthem.
Song · A CLOSER LOOK
Edelweiss
ABOUT THIS SONG
A song whose gentle tribute to home becomes more poignant when sung as a farewell.
A CLOSER LOOK
The story behind it.
A song whose gentle tribute to home becomes more poignant when sung as a farewell.
Two moments in the film
The first performance belongs to the family’s musical life; the later farewell reprise occurs before their departure. The changed setting alters the same gentle words.
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Rodgers & Hammerstein · song history (opens in a new tab)Source for Edelweiss: Rodgers & Hammerstein · song history.
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Sources & credits
Introductions are grounded in the sources below. Collection notes and reading prompts provide an editorial starting point; personal opinions are identified in the collection’s content.
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