It is understandable that the song would not have been written in the alternate timeline, as The Sound of Music wouldn't have been written and, being Jewish, Richard Rodgers is unlikely to have survived until 1959 when it was written. However I'm wondering if the song is used as the theme as a metaphor for occupation. That's the way it's used at the end of The Sound of Music, as a subtle protest against the Anschluss of Austria.
shareI was under the impression that season 1 takes place in the early 1960's, so "Edelweiss" theoretically could already exist as a song.
What I find amusing as a German native: the person who sings "Edelweiss" either has a lisp or pronounces the ss from Edelweiss like sh (it sounds more like Edelweish to me).
Did others notice that as well?
I doubt it could exist in the absence of The Sound of Music. Richard Rodgers was Jewish and Oscar Hammerstein came from a Jewish family, although was raised Christian, so it's unlikely that either would have survived until 1959 when the song was written.
shareI also understand Edelweisch. But I also understood blesh instead of blessed. So maybe really an ss-problem... No pun intended
shareWhat's funny is that I think it's sung that way to make it sound more "German" to an English-speaking audience. It bugs me too.
shareNo, it isn't to make it sond more "German."
That particular cover of Edelweiss is sung by a Swedish singer, thus the accent.
"Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." -- C.S.Lewis
Easily explained; the Nazis got it when Hitler heard it in the alternate timeline and liked it.
Much like the Confederate Anthem Dixie was written by a Northerner.
I think the song is "outside" the fourth wall of the series - ie it's done as a sort of ironic in-joke ie a fictional but beautiful "Austrian folk song" sung by an innocent child - while we watch the Nazi's and Japanese Imperials take over the USA.
shareExactly! It's like the rock song theme for Boardwalk Empires. While the music in the show ought to fit the time portrayed, there is no reason that the theme song should. It may be chosen for a variety of reasons.
share