Used Vintage Piano Roll - The Third Man Theme | Piano Gallery, Idaho Falls
This authentic vintage piano roll features "The Third Man Theme," the haunting and iconic zither melody from the acclaimed 1949 film noir classic "The Third Man." Compatible with player pianos and automatic piano systems, this original perforated paper roll brings the mysterious atmosphere and unforgettable melody of this Academy Award-nominated film score directly to your instrument, offering a unique piece of cinematic and musical history.
Product Overview
This vintage piano roll contains the complete performance of "The Third Man Theme," one of the most recognizable and atmospheric film themes ever created. Originally composed for zither by Anton Karas, this piano arrangement captures the haunting quality and distinctive Eastern European folk influences that made the theme so memorable in Carol Reed's noir masterpiece. The perforated paper roll was precisely manufactured to recreate the song's mysterious melodic contours and rhythmic patterns, preserving the evocative mood that helped define the golden age of film scoring.
The composition represents a fascinating example of how traditional folk instruments and melodies could be transformed into internationally recognized film music. The theme's success helped introduce audiences worldwide to the unique sound of the zither while creating one of cinema's most enduring musical moments. This piano roll adaptation allows the haunting melody to be experienced through the warm tones of acoustic piano, offering a different but equally compelling interpretation of this cinematic classic.
Ideal For
- Player piano owners seeking film music and noir-era repertoire
- Collectors of vintage piano rolls and classic film music memorabilia
- Film noir enthusiasts and classic cinema aficionados
- Music educators demonstrating the evolution of film scoring
- European folk music and zither music enthusiasts
- Vintage piano restoration specialists and automatic piano enthusiasts
Key Features
Iconic Film Noir Classic
Features the haunting theme from the 1949 Academy Award-nominated film "The Third Man," one of cinema's most atmospheric and memorable musical moments.
Zither-to-Piano Adaptation
Captures the distinctive Eastern European folk melody originally composed for zither, translated into an engaging piano arrangement that preserves the theme's mysterious character.
Post-War Cinema Heritage
Represents the sophisticated film scoring of the late 1940s, when European influences and folk traditions were enriching Hollywood's musical vocabulary.
Authentic Vintage Construction
Original perforated paper roll with precise hole patterns designed to recreate the theme's haunting melodic lines and atmospheric qualities on player piano systems.
Functional Vintage Condition
Used vintage condition with paper roll intact and ready for use in compatible player piano and automatic piano systems.
What's Included
- Original vintage piano roll for "The Third Man Theme"
- Complete perforated paper performance roll
- Authentic mid-20th century musical technology
- Note: Compatible player piano system required for use
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Song Title | The Third Man Theme |
| Format | Perforated paper piano roll |
| Era | Mid-20th Century (1940s-1950s) |
| Musical Genre | Film Music/Folk-influenced |
| Original Film | The Third Man (1949) |
| Original Composer | Anton Karas |
| Original Instrument | Zither (adapted for piano) |
| Compatibility | Player pianos and automatic piano systems |
| Condition | Used vintage condition |
| Musical Style | Atmospheric film theme with folk influences |
| SKU | 8616 |
Experience Cinematic History Today
Visit Piano Gallery in Idaho Falls to explore our collection of vintage piano accessories, film music rolls, and player piano technology. Whether you're maintaining a vintage player piano, collecting classic film music memorabilia, or exploring the atmospheric soundtracks that defined cinema's golden age, our knowledgeable staff can help you discover unique pieces of musical and cinematic heritage.
