When “The Sound of Music” graced the silver screen in 1965, it wove the enchanting tale of the von Trapp family, charming audiences worldwide with their melodic tunes and polished outfits. The movie, centered around Maria, a spirited nun turned governess, and Georg, a widowed naval officer, captivated hearts as it depicted their escape from Nazi-occupied Austria. However, the true story of the von Trapps diverges from their Hollywood portrayal, offering a narrative equally fascinating, yet starkly different.
The Sound of Music, while inspired by real events, took creative liberties in its storytelling. The real von Trapp family, headed by Georg and Maria von Trapp and consisting of ten children, did not embark on a perilous climb over the Alps to Switzerland. Instead, their departure from Austria was far more understated. As Georg’s daughter Maria recounted, the family discreetly left Austria by train, pretending to be on a routine trip to America to sing. From Austria, they journeyed to Italy, leveraging Georg’s Italian citizenship, and ultimately made their way to the United States, having secured a booking agent contract for performances in New York.
The matriarch, Maria Augusta Kutschera, whose life inspired Julie Andrews’ character, was far removed from the disciplined nun depicted in the film. Born on a train and raised by a stern cousin after her mother’s death, Maria embraced a mischievous streak, often breaking convent rules. Her encounter with Georg came about when she was sent to tutor his ailing daughter. Their marriage in 1927 was initially driven by Georg’s affection for Maria, which she reciprocated only over time.
Georg von Trapp, a decorated naval captain from the Austro-Hungarian Navy, shared a deep passion for music with his first wife Agathe, which they passed down to their children. Their household resonated with melodies long before they became a performing group. It was an impromptu performance for opera singer Lotte Lehmann that spurred the family to formalize their musical pursuits. Encouraged by Lehmann, they entered and won a local folk singing competition, propelling them into a successful international career, with over 2,000 performances across 30 countries.
The reality of their post-Austria life was one of adaptation and resilience. In 1942, after settling in Vermont, the von Trapps purchased a farm where they established the Trapp Family Lodge, a site still visited by fans today. The Lodge became a hub for music and hospitality, reflecting Maria’s vision and leadership. The youngest of the siblings, Johannes, noted that his mother’s unwavering determination kept the family unified and focused, ensuring their survival and success in a new country.
As the von Trapp children matured, they each pursued distinct paths. Formally disbanding in 1955, the siblings ventured into various professions. Rupert became a doctor, Maria and Rosmarie embraced missionary work, while Werner founded a farm known for its cheese. The youngest son, Johannes, remains the only surviving member of the original von Trapp singers, witnessing the enduring legacy of their story through the next generations, who continue to honor their musical heritage.
The real von Trapp family story, though less dramatized than its Hollywood rendition, remains a testament to their courage, creativity, and unity. From their reserved departure from Austria to their eventual establishment in Vermont, the von Trapps forged a remarkable journey marked by music and perseverance. Their enduring legacy, celebrated by descendants who carry on the family tradition, stands as a poignant narrative of resilience against historical adversities.
Source: Yahoo