Mission: Impossible – Main Theme
One of the few well-known themes in five-four time – the reason it feels so restless without being fast.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Lalo Schifrin
- Year
- 1966
- Origin
- Title music of the series
- Key
- G minor
- Level
- Intermediate
- Keys recommended
- 76
How difficult is it?
The notes are simple, the metre is not. You have to be able to count five beats to a bar before you play.
The real hurdle
The five-beat bar. Count it as 3+2, not as five equal beats – then the theme falls into place by itself.
How long does it take?
Three to six weeks.
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?
Gets by on 76 keys. Short, dry attacks suit it better than a lot of pedal.
Instruments that suit it
Casio CDP-S360 EU approx. €450–500Portable digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action II action.
Yamaha CLP-825 EU approx. €1,350–1,650Cabinet digital piano with GrandTouch-S action.
Kawai MP7SE EU approx. €1,400–1,550The stage all-rounder with Kawai’s RHIII feel – favourite of many pianists with stage jobs.
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 Mission: Impossible – Main Theme?
The notes are simple, the metre is not. You have to be able to count five beats to a bar before you play.
What key is Mission: Impossible – Main Theme in?
Mission: Impossible – Main Theme is in G minor.
How many keys do you need for Mission: Impossible – Main Theme?
76 keys are recommended.
Who composed Mission: Impossible – Main Theme?
Lalo Schifrin, 1966.
Can you download the sheet music for Mission: Impossible – 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 Mission: Impossible – Main Theme?
Three to six weeks.
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