Anton Karas

Anton Karas was an Austrian zither player and composer, best known for his unforgettable score to the 1949 film The Third Man. His theme for the movie, often referred to as "The Third Man Theme" or "The Harry Lime Theme," became a surprise international hit and helped bring the zither—a relatively obscure instrument at the time—to worldwide attention. The catchy, melancholic tune captured the mood of post-war Vienna and became one of the most iconic pieces of film music of the 20th century.

Karas was largely unknown before being discovered by director Carol Reed, who heard him playing in a Viennese wine tavern and was so captivated that he brought him on board to score the film. Despite his sudden fame, Karas remained a modest figure, continuing to perform and record zither music throughout his life. His contribution to cinema and popular music remains a testament to how a single haunting melody can leave a lasting cultural impact.

Genres

Ambient

Folk

Classical

Jazz

World

Traditional Music

Easy Listening

Cinematic Music

Latest Release

チター名曲集～第三の男 ベスト

Anton Karas•

Rudi Knabl

Album - 23 Tracks - Released May 10, 2023