The Unreleased Melodies of The Sound of Music: Why 'Edlewiess' Remains a Hidden Gem

The 1965 film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music is a beloved classic, known for its iconic songs and compelling storyline. However, behind the scenes of this beloved film lies a rich tapestry of unreleased melodies and hidden gems, such as the Edlewiess song. This article delves into the story of the film's music selection and why Edlewiess remained a less-known track, yet remains a cherished part of the stage musical.

Music in the Original Film

The film adaptation, while retaining the essence of the story, focused on a tighter storyline and a more streamlined selection of songs, designed to resonate with audiences. As a result, only the most integral songs to the plot and character development were included. This means that beloved songs like Singin' in the Rain, My Favorite Things, and were retained, while others were discarded to ensure the story's flow and focus.

The Part of 'Edlewiess'

Though the film version does not feature Edlewiess prominently in its musical score, the song is still a notable part of the The Sound of Music stage adaptation. Even when it doesn't appear, the melody plays a significant role during the party scene. Following the departure of the Baroness upstairs, she re-enters the festivities, and a brief instrumental version of Edlewiess serves as the dance music. As the camera follows the Baroness through the ballroom, the music transitions into the song How Can Love Survive.

The Fate of Original Songs

The fate of original songs in the musical can be complex. For instance, in the stage adaptation, the film's They Don't Have Time for Love is replaced with Eleanor Parker's actual performance, due to the dubbing of the song in the film. Similarly, the stage version shows the Baroness kissing the Captain in the duet of How Could I be So Wrong, which was deleted from the film version for storyline purposes.

Other original songs, like Edlewiess, were deemed less integral to the plot and character development. For example, the original song featuring the Baroness, Für who will not come Back (Suite), was not included in the film. Eleanor Parker was originally dubbed for the song in the film, but the snippet of original performance was retained in the stage version. Additionally, the surviving member of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Richard Rodgers, might have had reservations about the quality of the song, leading to its exclusion from the final film.

The Barons' Character Arc

The decision to include or exclude certain songs can also reflect character arcs. In the stage musical, the song Etwa wie ein Liebestrost (approx. trans. As a Raindrop of Love) marks the Baroness's realization that Captain von Trapp is in love with Maria. This moment encourages the Baroness to step back from her role as Maria's guardian, ensuring that Captain von Trapp can pursue his adulterous relationship. This subtle shift might explain why the song is less known compared to others in the film, as it serves a more supportive rather than standalone narrative function.

Ultimately, the journey of discovering these hidden musical gems enriches our understanding of the The Sound of Music lore. While Edlewiess might remain less prominent in the film, its presence in the stage production and its brief appearance during the party scene contribute to the depth and complexity of the musical's narrative. Through these details, we gain a nuanced appreciation for the intricate choices made in the creation and adaptation of this timeless musical gem.