The Austrian Alps' Edelweiss Song: Cultural Icon Or Myth?

Edelweiss is a song from the 1959 musical The Sound of Music by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers. It is a show tune sung by the character Captain Georg von Trapp, expressing his feelings of patriotism and loss as he is pressured to join the navy of Nazi Germany and leave his native Austria. The song is named after the edelweiss, a white flower found in the Alps, and its lyrics draw on German myths about the flower. Edelweiss is not an Austrian folk song or the national anthem of Austria, as is commonly believed.

Edelweiss is not the Austrian national anthem

The current Austrian national anthem is "Land der Berge, Land am Strome" ("Land of Mountains, Land by the River"), also known as "Bundeshymne der Republik Österreich" ("National Hymn of the Republic of Austria"). This has been the official national anthem of Austria since 1946.

The misconception that "Edelweiss" is the Austrian national anthem may be due to the song's association with Austria in The Sound of Music. In the musical, the song is performed by the character Captain Georg von Trapp as an ode to his homeland before he and his family are forced to flee Austria to escape the Nazis. The song's lyrics and melody, written in the style of a folk song, are so convincing that even some native Austrians have mistaken it for one of their own folk songs.

However, "Edelweiss" was, in fact, an original composition by Hammerstein and Rodgers and not based on any pre-existing lyrics or melody. The song is named after the edelweiss flower, which is found in the Alps and holds symbolic significance for Austrians. While the song captures the sentiment of Austrian patriotism, it is not the national anthem and has never been officially adopted as such.

In conclusion, "Edelweiss" is a beloved and iconic song from The Sound of Music that expresses love and nostalgia for Austria. However, it is distinct from the actual Austrian national anthem, "Land der Berge, Land am Strome," both in terms of its musical style and its official status.

The song was composed by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers

"Edelweiss" is a song from the 1959 musical "The Sound of Music", composed by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers. It was the last song the duo wrote together, as Hammerstein passed away from stomach cancer in 1960, nine months after the musical opened on Broadway.

Hammerstein and Rodgers composed "Edelweiss" to be sung by the character Captain Georg von Trapp, played by Theodore Bikel, in the Broadway production. They wanted to give Captain von Trapp a song that expressed his feelings of loss and patriotism as he was forced to leave his native Austria due to pressure to join the navy of Nazi Germany. They also wanted to showcase Bikel's talents as a folk guitarist and singer, so they wrote the song in the style of a folk tune.

The lyrics of "Edelweiss" were inspired by German myths about the edelweiss flower, which grows in the Alps. According to the myths, suitors would climb the mountains to pick the flowers as proof of their love for their sweethearts. The song's references to Austria and the edelweiss flower served as a subtle symbol of resistance and loyalty to Austria in the face of Nazi rule.

The song was so convincing as a folk tune that many people, including native Austrians, believed it to be an authentic Austrian folk song. In reality, it was an original composition by Hammerstein and Rodgers, with no pre-existing lyrics or melody.

Edelweiss is named after a white flower found in the Alps

Edelweiss is a song from the 1959 musical The Sound of Music, composed by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers. It is indeed named after the edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale), a white flower found high in the Alps. The song was created for the character Captain Georg von Trapp, who uses it to express his love for his homeland, Austria, which is dying under the pressure of the Nazis and the Third Reich.

The song is a subtle goodbye to his beloved homeland, using the flower as a symbol of his loyalty to Austria. The edelweiss is a popular flower in Austria and was featured on the old Austrian 1 schilling coin. It can also be seen on the 2 cent Euro coin. The flower is protected in Austria and is illegal to pick. The song is also a symbol of resistance, as the flower was used by various anti-Nazi resistance groups, including the Edelweiss Pirates, a youth resistance group.

The song is written in the style of a folk song, and it does this so convincingly that many people, including native Austrians, have mistaken it for an Austrian folk song. The misconception is so widespread that even former US President Ronald Reagan quoted the song in 1984 while toasting Austrian President Rudolf Kirchschläger. However, Austrians have largely disliked the song, with Austrian newspapers calling it "kitsch" and "an insult to Austrian musical creation."

The song is a statement of Austrian patriotism

The song "Edelweiss" is a poignant and powerful statement of Austrian patriotism. It has become an iconic symbol of Austrian national identity and pride, with its simple and beautiful melody, and heartfelt lyrics. "Edelweiss" is a traditional folk song from the Austrian Alps, and its history and meaning are deeply rooted in the country's cultural heritage. The song's title refers to the small white flower, Leontopodium alpinum, which is native to the Alpine regions of Europe and has come to symbolize Austria and its natural beauty. The song is a tribute to this flower and, by extension, to the beauty and majesty of Austria itself.

The lyrics of "Edelweiss" are simple and evocative, painting a picture of the Austrian homeland with references to the mountains, valleys, and sky. The singer declares their love and devotion to this homeland, expressing a deep sense of patriotism and pride in their Austrian heritage. The song's melody is equally as important as its lyrics, with a gentle and haunting tune that has become instantly recognizable as a symbol of Austria and its culture.

"Edelweiss" has become an important part of Austrian cultural identity, and it is often performed at official events and celebrations. It has also been adopted as an unofficial national anthem by many Austrians, who see it as a more authentic and traditional representation of their country than the official anthem, "Land der Berge, Land am Strome." The song's enduring popularity and emotional resonance make it a powerful tool for fostering a sense of national unity and pride among Austrians.

The song's status as a symbol of Austrian patriotism was perhaps most famously recognized during World War II, when it was adopted by Austrian resistance fighters as a secret signal of their national pride and identity. The song became a way for Austrians to quietly express their resistance to Nazi rule and their hope for a free and independent Austria. Even today, "Edelweiss" continues to be associated with this period of Austrian history and serves as a reminder of the country's struggle for independence and its strong national spirit.

In conclusion, "Edelweiss" is much more than just a folk song; it is a powerful statement of Austrian patriotism and a beloved symbol of the country's cultural heritage. Through its simple and heartfelt lyrics and melody, it captures the beauty and spirit of Austria, evoking a sense of pride and emotion in Austrians both young and old. The song's enduring popularity and cultural significance make it a lasting testament to the strong patriotic spirit of the Austrian people.

Edelweiss is not a Nazi song

"Edelweiss" is not a Nazi song. It is a show tune from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "The Sound of Music". The song was created for the character Captain Georg von Trapp, who uses it to express his love for his homeland, Austria, which is under threat from the Nazis.

The misconception that "Edelweiss" is a Nazi song may be due to several reasons. Firstly, the song is so convincing as a folk song that even native Austrians have claimed to have heard it in German before. In reality, the song was composed in English, and any German versions are translations. Secondly, the song is performed by Captain von Trapp in the context of the Nazi annexation of Austria, which may lead some to associate it with Nazism. However, the song is a statement of Austrian patriotism and Captain von Trapp's subliminal goodbye to his beloved homeland. The edelweiss flower, from which the song takes its name, was used by several anti-Nazi resistance groups. Both Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers, the Jewish songwriters of "Edelweiss", were strongly opposed to Nazism.

The song's use in the Amazon series "The Man in the High Castle", which is set in an alternate universe where the Axis Powers won World War II, may have also contributed to the misconception. In the series, "Edelweiss" is performed by Swedish singer Jeanette Olsson in a creepy and eerie rendition, transforming the song into an anthem of dystopia. However, it is important to note that the song was not written until long after the Nazis were defeated.

In conclusion, "Edelweiss" is not a Nazi song but rather a statement of Austrian patriotism and resistance in the face of Nazi occupation.

Frequently asked questions