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Music
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Not an Austrian Folk Song: The Surprising Hollywood Story of 'Edelweiss'
Often mistaken for Austria's national anthem, 'Edelweiss' is not a traditional folk song. It was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1959 for *The Sound of Music* as a poignant farewell from Captain von Trapp to his homeland, becoming a beloved but misunderstood classic.
Imagine the scene: Captain von Trapp, guitar in hand, stands before his family and a crowd of officials. He begins to sing a simple, heartfelt ballad to a small white flower, a symbol of his beloved Austria which is on the verge of disappearing. The song is "Edelweiss," and for millions around the world, it feels as authentically Austrian as the Alps themselves. Many believe it to be the country's national anthem or an ancient folk song. The truth, however, is far more a product of Broadway magic than Austrian history.
A Broadway Ballad, Not an Austrian Anthem
Despite its powerful association with Austrian patriotism, "Edelweiss" was written in 1959 by the legendary American duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. It was composed specifically for their musical, The Sound of Music. The show's creators felt that the character of Captain von Trapp needed a stronger musical moment to convey his profound sadness and resistance to the impending Nazi annexation of his homeland. The result was "Edelweiss," a song that uses the image of the resilient alpine flower to symbolize a love for a country that was being lost. Poignantly, it was the very last song Oscar Hammerstein II would write; he passed away just nine months after the show opened.
Why Does It Feel So Authentic?
The misconception is understandable, and it is a testament to the genius of its creators. Rodgers and Hammerstein were masters of their craft, and they designed "Edelweiss" to sound like a genuine folk song. Its simple, lullaby-like melody is in the style of a traditional Austrian Ländler (a folk dance in 3/4 time). The lyrics, which praise a simple, pure flower, evoke a sense of timeless, rustic identity. The song does its job so well that it has seamlessly woven itself into the world's perception of Austrian culture.
A Myth So Strong, Even Presidents Believed It
The 1965 film adaptation of The Sound of Music cemented the song's global status. Its popularity led to the widespread belief that it was an official Austrian song. The myth became so pervasive that in 1984, during a White House state dinner for the Austrian ambassador, President Ronald Reagan introduced it as the national anthem of Austria. While well-intentioned, the gesture highlighted just how deeply the fiction had taken root. For the record, Austria's actual national anthem is "Land der Berge, Land am Strome" ("Land of the Mountains, Land on the River"), adopted in 1947.
Ultimately, "Edelweiss" is a brilliant piece of musical theater—a love song to a nation written by two Americans. It stands as a powerful example of how art can create its own truth, crafting an emotional reality so potent that it feels like it has existed forever. It may not be a folk song, but its sentiment of holding onto beauty and identity in the face of darkness is truly universal.