|
|
Enrico Nicola Mancini was born, April 16, 1924, in the Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland, and was raised near Pittsburgh. When he was only 8 years old, his father made him take piccolo lessons, and when he was 12, he had to take piano lessons.Henry and his father played together in a band called “The Sons of Italy”.
|
|
|
|
|
Mancini’s imagination inspired him to create a musical representation of Peter Gunn. The music is jazz that feels heavy and weighted, portraying the strength of the man. Mancini wrote a persistent bass line ostinato--a repeated pattern--to provide the foundation for the music and give it a feeling of determination. The melody, played by trumpets, trombones and saxophones, portrays a feeling of both challenge and sophistication. This music is great for a big jazz band to play.
|
|
|
When Henry Mancini met the write/producer of “Peter Gunn”, Blake Edwards, the two formed a life long friendship. In fact, they worked together on over 30 films over the span of 35 years. The two worked together on iconic films such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, “The Pink Panther”, “The Great Race” and “Victor Victoria”.
|
|
|
Henry Mancini wrote one of his most beautiful melodies for a 1968 film based on the famous play by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet. Mancini’s "Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet" was also known as "A Time for Us". This award-winning song was a number one pop hit in 1969. The 1968 film was different from earlier ones because it used actors closer to the age in Shakespeare’s play.
|
The music is an expression of both the hope and despair found in the two star-crossed lovers from Shakespeare's classic love story. The “Love Theme” begins with piano and orchestra playing the theme; then a choir sings “A Time for Us”. The music is written in a minor scale which contributes to the feeling of drama and emotion. It also leads the listener to expect an unhappy ending.
|
|
|