Arachnophonia: The Sound of Music

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student worker Emma A. (class of 2021) and features the libretto for the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music. Thanks, Emma!

The Sound of Music: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical

I’ve chosen to discuss the libretto for The Sound of Music. Growing up this movie, play, and its music were quintessential to my after-school evenings and my sister’s love for the music. She was Maria in our school’s production of this show which inspired my own love for the drama club years later. We would watch this movie over and over until we knew every word and could sing along perfectly. They are very happy memories that I share with my sister; and the rest of my family and I will always enjoy listening to and watching The Sound of Music no matter how many times we’ve done it before.

I love how some of the songs are so intricate and over-the-top (“The Lonely Goatherd”) and some are so sweetly written and simple (“My Favorite Things”). No matter which song from the show you’re playing, they are all different — no two sound the same. Some Broadway shows can be very repetitive and over the course of three hours song after song can become boring, but that was never the case for me with The Sound of Music. In addition, the talent that you need to sing some of the songs is amazing. That’s not to say anyone can’t sing along, but to sing them well requires some major pipes. My sister had this talent and seeing her perform our favorite show was one of the moments she truly knew that music and singing would be her life’s passion.

I think that watching, or even just listening to, The Sound of Music is a must for everyone, even if you’re not into musicals. The story line is so captivating and the music is beautiful. If you’ve never seen it before give it a try! If you’re feeling so inclined after, take out this book and learn some of the songs too!

Sound of Music banner

New CDs added – October 2018

New CDs for October 2018

Chamber Music & Concertos

American Wild Ensemble – Music In The American Wild
Lisa Bielawa – In Medias Res
Lisa Bielawa – The Lay of the Love

Lisa Bielawa - The Lay of the Love

Glenn Kotche – Adventureland
David Lang – Peirced
David Lang – Writing On Water

David Lang - Pierced

Brad Mehldau – After Bach
Salvadore Spina – Robert Lombardo + M. William Karlins – Piano Works, 1961-1993

Jazz

Brad Mehldau Trio – Seymour Reads The Constitution!
Charles Lloyd & the Marvels + Lucinda Williams – Vanished Gardens

Brad Mehldau Trio - Seymour Reads the Constitution!

Opera, Art Songs, Vocal Music

Kati Agocs – The Debrecen Passion
Lisa Bielawa – Chance Encounter

Kati Agocs - The Debrecen Passion

Gavin Bryars – The Fifth Century
Hildegurls – Electric Ordo Virtutum
David Lang – The National Anthems

Hildegurls - Electric Ordo Virtutum

Musicals

Joe Iconis – Be More Chill
Kevin Murphy – Heathers The Musical

Heathers the Musical

Benj Pasek – Dear Evan Hansen
Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein – Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel

Dear Evan Hansen

Popular Music

Ben Folds Five – Whatever and Ever Amen
Ben Folds Five – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner

Ben Folds Five - Reinhold Messner

Hills and Home – High Fidelity
Schlong – Punk Side Story

Hills and Home - High Fidelity

Shovels & Rope – Busted Jukebox Volume 1
Shovels & Rope – Busted Jukebox Volume 2
Shovels & Rope – Little Seeds

Shovels & Rope - Little Seeds