When The Thorn Birds appeared on TV in 1983, it quickly became the second-highest rated mini-series of all time in the US.
The glorious Theme Music by Henry Mancini is both charmingly simple and yet full of delicious key changes - we go from C to F to Bb to D to G. My arrangement for 4 guitars keeps to original keys and every player has a chance to play the lyrical melodies at some point in the piece.
My orchestration uses different textures to improve the dynamic range, and you may want to reinforce these volume changes with additional dynamic markings.
Guitar 3 has a couple of measures that are faithful to the original but a long way up the neck - there are alternatives marked on the score that might feel more secure.
Suitable for a large ensemble too, the chance to make even bigger volume changes in a larger wall of sound will make this a piece that delights audiences.
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The Thorn Birds
TV Theme
The Thorn Birds
Henry Mancini
$4.99 Intermediate level
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