Who doesn't know the dramatic and true story of the Von Trapp Family, who escaped from their Austrian homeland under the Nazi occupation? This singing family relocated to America, where they performed and recorded for many years. No novelty act, the ensemble, under the direction of conductor Dr. F. Wasner, sings first-rate a cappella arrangements (with the exception of "Ihr Kinderlein Kommet") of European carols, such as the Italian "La Canzone Di Natale," the Tyrolean "Es Hat Sich Heut Eroffnet" and the Polish "Shepherds Come A-Running." Some of these melodies will be familiar to American audiences, but some will not, which is part of their charm. This 1950's era mono recording is clean, present, and immediate; the vocal blend of the group is so natural and perfectly pitched, it requires nothing to complete it.