Wedding Processional from "The Sound of Music"

Quite some years ago a bride requested this for her wedding processional. At that time, no sheet music for the complete organ solo had been published (but it has been published since then). Lacking printed music for it I transcribed it by ear, listening over and over to the record.

The bride and I did agree that the sequé into "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria" should be eliminated! So I ended the music by resolving it on V/I chords just before that part came in.

Incidentlly, the organ sequence was composed by Ashley Miller and played (most likely by Miller) -- not on the beautiful organ in the cathedral (*) where the scene was shot, but on the now-gone Robert Morton pipe organ in the former Lorin Whitney Studio in Glendale, California.

Yes folks, that glorious "cathedral organ" was really a theatre organ (Wurlitzer type) played without tremulants! Organists familiar with that sound -- theatre organs sans trems -- who listen to that track with this knowledge now in hand will clearly recognize that that's what they are hearing.

"That's show biz!"

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(*) The Mondsee Cathedral in Salzburg, founded in 748 A.D. on the ruins of a Roman settlement. The oldest German translation of the Bible was written here - the Mondsee Matthew. In the wedding scene, Maria, led by Liesl, walked down the aisle to meet the Baron von Trapp in front of the main altar. The first time they filmed the scene, there was nobody at the altar to wed them when they reached the top of the stairs - someone had forgotten to summon the actor playing the bishop. According to Julie Andrews, the real bishop of Salzburg is seen in the movie. (Source: tinyurl.com/3pfvaw)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• sound
• of
• music
• maria
• von
• trapp
• organ
• cathedral
• casavant
• lutheran
• wedding
• processional

[aaronnasser]

Wow very well done, if you have this written done or know of where I can purchase it I want this for my wedding. Please send any information to htdadftl@aol.com

[theremin137]

@aaronnasser: A good arrangement of the processional is available at SheetMusicPlus(dot)com. The catalog number is 199005. Make sure you get the organ arrangement and not the one for piano.

[robertgift]

Nice job of transcribing the piece.

How does your version differ from the original?

Yes, I could tell it was a theater organ without tremulants.

Should have been recorded in a huge cathedral in L.A.

[theremin137]

@robertgift - Unfortunately (well, depending on how you look at it), I don't play in a huge cathedral.

[cmoore479]

I'm so glad bigotry lives on through the negative comments made through your page. Lose the attitude and just enjoy the music. C'mon... lighten up. I enjoy ANYONE who can play organ or ANY musical instrument. I think the age of enlightenment during the Reformation and the torture of millions non-Catholics during this period says a lot. Just as the horrid, putrid Pat Robertson on the 700 Club. Just stop the hatred. Be nice guys... We are musicians; each of us bring something unique to the table.

[Kaztisha59]

My Aunt was married 30 years ago and had this music played at her wedding. I'm getting married and having just watched the film - again!!! have decided to have this for going down the aisle - it's fab!

[HaroldHanlon]

The chord progressions in this are heavenly. You did a truly wonderful job transcribing it.

[LyndaHudson]

I have wanted this music for my wedding processional since I was about 5 years old. Beethoven's 'Ode To Joy' will be the recessional music.

[Msstridjuh]

When I was little and watch the film over and over again, I wish that someday this would play at my wedding and with my choir (needed.nl) singing this, it would be the best day of my life!!!!!!

[chupahombrrre]

@Randy02116 What is a "humn?" What is "cannon" law?

[JRR0013]

I really prefer this to the traditional Wedding March. It's been overdone. If I ever decide to get married, and in a church with an organ, I'm definitely going to consider this music. It's so beautiful and when you hear it you think of how beautiful Julie Andrews was walking down the aisle.

[lausau11111957]

This was my wedding processional almost 16 years ago. I assumed the organist had sheet music. Sound of Music was my favorite movie as a little girl. I am an event planner & my father had passed away. I walked myself down the aisle. My wedding coordinator kept trying to push me down the aisle. She kept say "now", "now." As an event planner, I had timed the prelude. I think she was relieved when I make my entrance. I hope my 10 year old daughter will choose this for her processional too.

[careyhrdng]

@theremin137 I think @robertgift meant the version from the movie should have been recorded in a cathedral. You did a fine job, and I am jealous of your ear skills to be able to get that from the record. Thanks so much for this!

[jtaforJesus]

This is wonderful!!! I always wanted to hear that without the added "How do you solve..." and you blessed my morning. Fantastic, amazing, playing that by ear. My Dad would do the same (may he rest in peace) listening over and over until he had every note. Thank you for posting this, and I love the way you ended it!!!

[goldustwin481]

Most beautiful.