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The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Sound of Music is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It is based on Maria von Trapp’s 1949 book The Story of the Trapp Family Singers and is set in Austria in 1938. The musical premiered in 1959 and was the final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Background

The musical was developed from Maria von Trapp’s memoir and became one of the best-known works by Rodgers and Hammerstein. It was created for the Broadway stage and premiered in 1959.

Plot

The story centres on Maria, a young postulant who leaves the abbey to care for the seven children of Captain von Trapp. As she brings music and warmth into the household, the family is drawn into the political changes affecting Austria in 1938, on the eve of the Anschluss.

Adaptations

The 1959 stage musical was adapted into a 1965 American film directed by Robert Wise. The film starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer and became a major commercial success.

Cultural impact

The musical is widely regarded as a classic of the Broadway canon and remains closely associated with songs such as ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, and the title song.

Key facts

  • The Sound of Music was the final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein.
  • The story follows Maria, a young postulant who becomes governess to the von Trapp children.
  • The setting takes place on the eve of the Anschluss, when Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany.
  • The work inspired the 1965 film adaptation starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.
  • The von Trapp family later settled in Canada, giving the story a direct connection to Canadian history.
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Canadian context

The von Trapp family later settled in Canada after fleeing Austria, which gives the story a direct connection to Canadian history and audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Sound of Music?
It is a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about Maria, a postulant who becomes governess to the von Trapp children in 1938 Austria.
Who wrote The Sound of Music?
The music was written by Richard Rodgers, the lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and the book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.
What is it based on?
It is based on Maria von Trapp’s memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.
When did it premiere?
The musical premiered in 1959 on Broadway.
Was there a film version?
Yes. A 1965 film adaptation was directed by Robert Wise and starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sound_of_Music
    Supports: Basic work identification, creators, source material, and setting.
  2. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/media/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sound-music
    Supports: Broadway musical context, creators, and relation to Mary Martin.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Sound-of-Music-musical-by-Rodgers-and-Hammerstein
    Supports: Musical overview and Rodgers-Hammerstein authorship.
  4. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Sound-of-Music-film-by-Wise
    Supports: 1965 film adaptation, director, cast, and awards context.