Guitar, Instrumental Duet - Level 4 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1718554
By Anton Karas. By Anton Karas. Arranged by Celil Refik Kaya. This edition: pdf. Film/TV. 15 pages. Celil Refik Kaya #1281882. Published by Celil Refik Kaya (A0.1718554).
Harry Lime Theme from The Third Man
Arranged for Two Guitars by Celil Refik Kaya
This arrangement of Anton Karas’ Harry Lime Theme from The Third Man was commissioned by Dr. Kim Kramer and reimagines one of the most recognizable film melodies of all time for classical guitar duo.
Anton Karas (1906–1985) was an Austrian composer and zither player best known for his music in The Third Man. Born in Vienna, Karas was largely unknown outside of Austria until British director Carol Reed discovered him playing the zither in a small tavern. Struck by the instrument’s distinctive sound, Reed invited Karas to compose and perform the film’s soundtrack. The result was the Harry Lime Theme, a melody that became an international sensation, catapulting Karas to global fame. Despite his newfound success, Karas remained deeply connected to his roots, later returning to a quieter life in Vienna.
Originally composed and performed on the zither, The Third Man’s theme became an unexpected global phenomenon, defining the film’s sound and perfectly underscoring the post-war intrigue and charm of the story’s central figure, Harry Lime, played by Orson Welles. The theme’s distinctive blend of playfulness and suspense has made it a lasting piece of cinematic music history.
In this new arrangement for two guitars, I aimed to preserve the lively, syncopated energy of the original while expanding its harmonic depth and dynamic interplay. The dialogue between the two instruments brings out the theme’s rhythmic drive, intricate ornamentation, and lyrical phrasing, creating a fresh and engaging concert experience. By adapting the zither’s rapid arpeggios and melodic embellishments to the classical guitar, this arrangement highlights the instrument’s expressive range while paying homage to the theme’s unmistakable charm.
I hope this arrangement finds its place in the classical guitar repertoire and brings as much joy to performers and listeners as the original has for generations.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global
self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters.
ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular
titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.
About Digital Downloads
Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on
your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music,
you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and
you don't have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play!
PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page
that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are
only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not
digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not
print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).
Guitar, Instrumental Duet - Level 4 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1718554
By Anton Karas. By Anton Karas. Arranged by Celil Refik Kaya. This edition: pdf. Film/TV. 15 pages. Celil Refik Kaya #1281882. Published by Celil Refik Kaya (A0.1718554).
Harry Lime Theme from The Third Man
Arranged for Two Guitars by Celil Refik Kaya
This arrangement of Anton Karas’ Harry Lime Theme from The Third Man was commissioned by Dr. Kim Kramer and reimagines one of the most recognizable film melodies of all time for classical guitar duo.
Anton Karas (1906–1985) was an Austrian composer and zither player best known for his music in The Third Man. Born in Vienna, Karas was largely unknown outside of Austria until British director Carol Reed discovered him playing the zither in a small tavern. Struck by the instrument’s distinctive sound, Reed invited Karas to compose and perform the film’s soundtrack. The result was the Harry Lime Theme, a melody that became an international sensation, catapulting Karas to global fame. Despite his newfound success, Karas remained deeply connected to his roots, later returning to a quieter life in Vienna.
Originally composed and performed on the zither, The Third Man’s theme became an unexpected global phenomenon, defining the film’s sound and perfectly underscoring the post-war intrigue and charm of the story’s central figure, Harry Lime, played by Orson Welles. The theme’s distinctive blend of playfulness and suspense has made it a lasting piece of cinematic music history.
In this new arrangement for two guitars, I aimed to preserve the lively, syncopated energy of the original while expanding its harmonic depth and dynamic interplay. The dialogue between the two instruments brings out the theme’s rhythmic drive, intricate ornamentation, and lyrical phrasing, creating a fresh and engaging concert experience. By adapting the zither’s rapid arpeggios and melodic embellishments to the classical guitar, this arrangement highlights the instrument’s expressive range while paying homage to the theme’s unmistakable charm.
I hope this arrangement finds its place in the classical guitar repertoire and brings as much joy to performers and listeners as the original has for generations.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global
self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters.
ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular
titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.
About Digital Downloads
Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on
your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music,
you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and
you don't have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play!
PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page
that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are
only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not
digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not
print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).
Preview: The Third Man (The Harry Lime Theme)
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