Product Description

This is 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 to Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End production in 2006. 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, Christopher Plummer and the winner of the "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" competition on the BBC, Connie Fisher. Folded into the saga are guest appearances by Petula Clark, Carol Burnett, John Coltrane and Noel Coward. 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; and a wordcount of 35,000. It is published to coincide with Andrew Lloyd Webber's new West End production of "The Sound of Music". It is the only authorized companion, that includes songs and insider stories, along with images from Stage and Screen.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #82113 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

The Daily Express 24th November, 2006
"this sumptuous coffee table book will brighten any Sound of
Music fan's Christmas"

Film Review magazine, December 2006
`This amazing book will leave devotees astounded.'

London Lite December 2006
"Don't miss this drop of golden sunshine."

Customer Reviews

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.

Great book for a great film!
I am a huge fan of 'The Sound of Music' and when I saw this book, I had to have it. And I was not dissapointed! It's choc-a-block full of pictures, facts, original lyrics and tons more. I know quite a bit about this film but I found out loads of things I didn't know! It takes you from the original story, to Broadway, to the screen and back to the stage again. The pictures are really beautiful and in glorious colour! Its a really great book and you discover new things every time you read it. If your thinking about buying it, definately go for it (even if you feel its a bit expensive, you should treat yourself) :D

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...