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The definitive book on the world's most beloved musical, The Sound of Music Companion charts the incredible and enduring story of Maria von Trapp and her story over the last hundred years - from Maria's birth in Vienna in 1905 to the 50th anniversary of the film's release in 2015. The book details every step in the evolution of this masterwork from real-life to page to stage to film to international phenomenon. It profiles every creative artist who has helped to shape the musical version of the von Trapp Family story - from Rodgers and Hammerstein and Mary Martin to Robert Wise, Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer - and includes landmark international stage productions, the movie in pop culture and the 2012 TV movie. Folded into the saga are guest appearances by Petula Clark, Carol Burnett, John Coltrane, Noel Coward, Carrie Underwood and Connie Walsh. Included are more than 170 pictures, many never seen before, in addition to: * Complete lyrics to a dozen songs * Rare manuscript pages from the pens of Rodgers and Hammerstein * A map of Salzburg and the film's locations * Unseen storyboards from the film * Updates on the Sing-A-Long phenomenon Review: A seminal Sound of Music book - Lawrence Maslon should be thanked and congratulated for offering a concise and informative Sound of Music book. Although there have been a few Sound of Music books written in the past, this book is probably the first of its kind to tell the story in a concise manner. The Hirsch book on the film and the reissued Max Wilk book on the stage show were great books in their own right, but I think this book tops them all. Although the numerous photos are the draw of this coffee-table book, a coffee-table book should offer much more than pretty photographs. For this it certainly delivers. His meticulously researched, well-written text tells us the whole Sound of Music story from Maria's birth to the first Austrian stage production in 2005. This book covers all important stops in the history of SOM up till now, and does not dwell too long on any one time period. An added treat is the inclusion of song lyrics and commentaries on the songs, explaining how they were written and what role they played in the musical. I admit there are a few typo errors in the text, but this well-researched book is jam-packed with facts of the musical. You could literally dip your teeth into it and come out a Sound of Music junkie. I do wish there were also lyrics and commentaries for I Have Confidence, So Long, Farewell and also The Lonely Goatherd. In short, a really great Sound of Music book that makes a splendidd addition to any Sound of Music collection, except that the print tends to be a little too small for the size of the book. Otherwise, a really wonderful book from cover to cover, and a seminal work in the entire world of this well-loved musical. I think this is a book that deserves to be in print forever. Review: High quality printing with nice, thick pages - I love this book! It is well written with high quality pictures & nice, thick pages. If you are fan of the movie, this book does it justice.
| Best Sellers Rank | #393,607 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #96 in Video Reference (Books) #130 in Movie Reference #634 in Movie History & Criticism |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 111 Reviews |
Y**G
A seminal Sound of Music book
Lawrence Maslon should be thanked and congratulated for offering a concise and informative Sound of Music book. Although there have been a few Sound of Music books written in the past, this book is probably the first of its kind to tell the story in a concise manner. The Hirsch book on the film and the reissued Max Wilk book on the stage show were great books in their own right, but I think this book tops them all. Although the numerous photos are the draw of this coffee-table book, a coffee-table book should offer much more than pretty photographs. For this it certainly delivers. His meticulously researched, well-written text tells us the whole Sound of Music story from Maria's birth to the first Austrian stage production in 2005. This book covers all important stops in the history of SOM up till now, and does not dwell too long on any one time period. An added treat is the inclusion of song lyrics and commentaries on the songs, explaining how they were written and what role they played in the musical. I admit there are a few typo errors in the text, but this well-researched book is jam-packed with facts of the musical. You could literally dip your teeth into it and come out a Sound of Music junkie. I do wish there were also lyrics and commentaries for I Have Confidence, So Long, Farewell and also The Lonely Goatherd. In short, a really great Sound of Music book that makes a splendidd addition to any Sound of Music collection, except that the print tends to be a little too small for the size of the book. Otherwise, a really wonderful book from cover to cover, and a seminal work in the entire world of this well-loved musical. I think this is a book that deserves to be in print forever.
B**Y
High quality printing with nice, thick pages
I love this book! It is well written with high quality pictures & nice, thick pages. If you are fan of the movie, this book does it justice.
B**E
THE SOUND OF MUSIC COMPANION
THE BOOK ARRIVED IN GREAT SHAPE & IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. AND THE PRICE WAS GREAT. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SOURCE!
D**N
A little disappointing if you're looking for more of a behind the scenes of the making of Sound of Music kind of book.
This is a nice book but I thought they'd delve more into the actual filming experience for Sound of Music and it's really more the history of the Sound of Music from true life to book to musical play to movie. A little disappointing actually.
C**K
Sound of Music Companion
This book is a must for all Sound of Music fans. It is interesting to read about how the movie was made and details the many behind-the-scenes issues that go into filming on location and in a movie studio. This book also contains many photos of the movie and the filming of many scenes. If you are the type that likes to see what happens when you go 'behind' the making of a movie then this book will help you do that. It also gives information on the Von Trapp family as well as comparisons with the true familie's ways and what the studio wanted to show on the screen. I wouldn't say it has too much Catholicism in it but it does show where Maria came from and a bit of her life inside an Austrian Convent. In between all of that, the movie is quite entertaining and the photography shows one of the most beautiful countries on earth: Salzburg, Austria! You'll be glad you have this in your Sound of Music collection!
C**Y
Everybody's favorite film's story.
If you love Dame Julie Andrews and "The Sound of Music" or the real life Trapp Family Singers, you'll love this book. Here you'll discover the basics of the true story with family photos, the story of the Broadway musical which was based upon their lives and the story of the film itself, with chapters centered around each song. Here you'll find out how they did it, where they did it, and why. Beautiful photographs, maps and personal memories compliment the story.
M**N
My Favorite Things
If you love this film you will love this book. All the info you need although adding the Sound of Music FAQ might be wise. I have them both and I think they both pretty much cover it all. Also Christopher Plummer's auto-bio is really good too. He was far from well behaved (or sober) during this shoot but he is pretty honest about it all.
K**O
I loved the book
I have to be the Sound Of Music's BIGGEST fan. I loved the book. It even had some photos I'd never seen before. Having the forward written by Julie Andrews was a delight. Any true fan of this beautiful film will love this addition to their library.
M**E
love it!
Purchased this in early March and it got here fairly quickly, yesterday, so in less than a month and especially considering I live in another country. It also came in perfectly good conditions, looking as great as I expected it would! That being said, it was also such a great read that I finished in less than than a day, I just couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend it to any fan of the movie or the play!
Y**G
A truly seminal Sound of Music book
Lawrence Maslon should be thanked and congratulated for offering a concise and informative Sound of Music book. Although the numerous photos are the draw of this coffee-table book, a coffee-table book should offer much more than pretty photographs. For this it certainly delivers. His meticulously researched, well-written text tells us the whole Sound of Music story from Maria's birth to the first stage Austrian production in 2005. This book covers all important stops in the history of TSOM up till now, and does not dwell too long on any one time period. An added treat is the inclusion of song lyrics and commentaries on the songs, explaining how they were written and what role they played in the musical. I admit there are a few typo errors in the text, but this well-researched book is jam-packed with facts of the musical. You could literally dip your teeth into it and come out a Sound of Music junkie. I do wish there were also lyrics and commentaries for I Have Confidence, So Long, Farewell and also The Lonely Goatherd. In short, a really great Sound of Music book that makes a splendidd addition to any Sound of Music collection, except that the print tends to be a little too small for the size of the book. Otherwise, a really wonderful book from cover to cover, and a seminal work in the entire world of this well-loved musical.
S**E
The Sound of Music Companion
This is an absolute must for all Sound of Music fans. The book provides definitive information about the Von Trapp family, Rogers and Hammerstein, stage plays of the SOM and of course the Movie and has wonderful colour plates. I didn't read it from cover to cover but browsed it occasionally when in the mood for enjoying one of "My favourite things". I enjoyed it so much I felt as though I were, "16 going on 17", which I'm not! "I have confidence" now that I can answer any question at all about the Sound of Music because I have the ultimate information guide at my disposal. We all need a pick-me-up with the recession so don't "Climb Every Mountain" instead treat yourself to, "Something Good" The Sound of Music Companion, it's fab!
S**A
Read this with a gleaming gloat
Too often books of 'phenomena' are thrown together to capitalize on an all-too-eager fan base and are an utter waste of time (dare I say, incorrigible?). Not so this book. Its print quality, and huge collection of photos tracing the evolution from idea to stage to film deserves all the plaudits alone. Throw in the well-researched tale and you have a magnificent resource for the SoM fan. I would also recommend reading Maria von Trapp's own autobiography which is a lively and fascinating account of what really happened, but that is by the by. If you buy this you won't be disappointed. Adieu...
C**S
Sound of Music
Exrlent book about the film, history and stars
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