The Von Trapp family, whose escape from Austria during World War II was immortalized in the beloved musical and film “The Sound of Music,” holds a place in both history and popular culture far more nuanced than the idyllic scenes portrayed on screen. Their real story is one of resilience, music, and new beginnings, stretching from the Austrian Alps to the mountains of Vermont.
The Patriarch and Matriarch
The family’s story begins with Baron Georg von Trapp, a decorated naval officer of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Maria Augusta Kutschera, a young postulant at Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg. Their lives converged not out of romance initially, but necessity, as Maria was sent to tutor the Baron’s daughter from his first marriage in 1926. Despite their differing backgrounds, love blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1927. Together, they had seven children, joining the seven from Georg’s previous marriage.
A Musical Legacy Begins
It was Maria who introduced music into the family’s routine, turning it from a pastime into a profession. Under her guidance, the Von Trapp Family Choir began performing throughout Europe. Their harmonies enchanted audiences, but as the political landscape darkened with the rise of Nazi Germany, so too did the family’s prospects in their homeland.
Flight from Oppression
In 1938, following the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany, the von Trapps faced a moral and existential crisis. Georg von Trapp, a staunch anti-Nazi, refused a commission in the German Navy and declined to perform at Hitler’s birthday celebration. The family decided to flee, fearing retribution. Contrary to the dramatic mountain escape depicted in “The Sound of Music,” their departure was through a train to Italy, thanks to Georg’s citizenship stemming from his birthplace in Dalmatia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
A New Home in America
The family arrived in the United States in 1939, settling in Vermont. There, they bought a farm in Stowe, which they transformed into the Trapp Family Lodge, a venture that would ensure their livelihood and become a cherished site for fans of their story. America offered a fresh start, and the family continued to perform, touring the United States and South America, sharing their music and story with new audiences.
The Story Becomes a Sensation
The von Trapp family’s tale was first immortalized in Maria’s memoir, “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers,” published in 1949. This book served as the basis for two German films in the 1950s and ultimately the Broadway musical in 1959, with the iconic film adaptation following in 1965. “The Sound of Music,” starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, captured the hearts of millions, albeit with a romanticized version of the family’s journey.
Legacy and Continuation
The legacy of the von Trapp family extends beyond their escape from Austria and musical career. The Trapp Family Lodge remains a testament to their enduring impact, now a world-class resort offering guests a taste of the von Trapp hospitality. The family’s descendants continue to manage the lodge, ensuring that the story and the spirit of the von Trapps live on.
In remembering the von Trapp family, it’s essential to acknowledge the blend of fact and fiction that has made their story a global phenomenon. Their real journey was fraught with challenges and marked by courage, a testament to the power of family, music, and resilience in the face of adversity.