Back to the Future – Main Theme
A fanfare that screws itself upward in steps – by the same composer as the Avengers theme, but considerably more intricate.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Alan Silvestri
- Year
- 1985
- Origin
- Film score for Back to the Future
- Key
- B♭ major
- Level
- Advanced
- Keys recommended
- 88
How difficult is it?
Fast changes between melody and accompanying figures, plus leaps across the whole keyboard.
The real hurdle
The accompanying figures between the theme sections. They sound incidental and are the hardest part of the piece.
How long does it take?
Two to four months.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
88 keys are a condition. The theme uses both ends.
Instruments that suit it
Portable digital piano with PHA-4 Standard action.
The Clavinova upper class: GrandTouch-S action with wooden keys – CFX plus Bösendorfer Imperial on board.
Stage piano with Grand Feel action.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
This piece is under copyright. Sheet music is available only from licensed publishers – free PDFs found online are usually not legal.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Back to the Future – Main Theme?
Fast changes between melody and accompanying figures, plus leaps across the whole keyboard.
What key is Back to the Future – Main Theme in?
Back to the Future – Main Theme is in B♭ major.
How many keys do you need for Back to the Future – Main Theme?
88 keys are recommended.
Who composed Back to the Future – Main Theme?
Alan Silvestri, 1985.
Can you download the sheet music for Back to the Future – Main Theme for free?
This piece is under copyright. Sheet music is available only from licensed publishers – free PDFs found online are usually not legal.
How long does it take to learn Back to the Future – Main Theme?
Two to four months.
If this suits you
A fanfare theme that climbs and stays up there – built for the moment the camera circles slowly around a …
The theme from 1986, brought back in 2022 – a synthesiser fanfare with a climb that sounds like a runway.
The march everyone can whistle along to – John Williams in his most direct form, with no detour.