Linus and Lucy
Linus and Lucy Piano Sheet Music Short
The definitive "Peanuts Theme" A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Linus and Lucy Piano Sheet Music Short
The definitive "Peanuts Theme" A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
"Linus and Lucy" is the definitive "Peanuts theme." Written by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi, it is one of the most famous pieces of jazz piano in history, blending a driving boogie-woogie bassline with a cool, syncopated melody.
The Origin: Vince Guaraldi was commissioned by television producer Lee Mendelson in 1964 to write music for a documentary titled A Boy Named Charlie Brown. While the documentary didn't air at the time, the song was released on the album Jazz Impressions of A Boy Named Charlie Brown.
The Breakthrough: The song became a global phenomenon in 1965 when it was featured in the animated special "A Charlie Brown Christmas." It underscored the famous dance sequence where the Peanuts gang shows off their unique moves on stage.
The Name: It is named after the van Pelt siblings, Linus and Lucy. Guaraldi felt the energetic, see-sawing rhythm captured the playful but occasionally chaotic relationship between the two.
Cultural Impact: Despite being a jazz instrumental—a genre not typically associated with children's programming—it became the musical heartbeat of the franchise. It has even been used as wake-up music for astronauts on the Space Shuttle.
"Linus and Lucy" is famously tricky to play because of its "off-beat" nature and the independence required between the hands.
Key: The original and most common key is A-flat Major ($A\flat$). This key gives the piece its "warm" jazz sound but can be difficult for beginners due to the four flats ($B\flat, E\flat, A\flat, D\flat$).
Time Signature: It is written in 4/4 time.
The Rhythmic Trick: Much of the piece's "magic" comes from syncopation. The main riff actually begins on the "and" of beat 4 (the upbeat) of the preceding measure, which can make it feel like the beat is shifting.
Tempo: The performance tempo is typically quite fast, around 150–160 beats per minute (bpm).
The Bassline: The left hand plays a "boogie-woogie" ostinato (a repeating pattern). It uses an $A\flat$ pedal point, alternating between the root, the octave, and the sixth ($F$).
Form: The piece follows a clear structure: Intro $\rightarrow$ Section A (Main Theme) $\rightarrow$ Section B (The "Hits") $\rightarrow$ Section C (Jazz Breakdown/Solo).
For a solo piano arrangement in the key of A-flat Major, here are the primary chord movements:
1. The Main Theme (A Section)
The left hand stays on a driving $A\flat$ pattern. The right hand plays "horn-style" intervals (sixths and thirds).
Primary Chord: $A\flat$ (Ab Major)
Tip: Keep the left hand rock-steady while the right hand "dances" around the off-beats.
2. The "Hits" (B Section)
This is the part where the melody stops, and you hear the sharp, rhythmic chord stabs.
Sequence: $D\flat$ $\rightarrow$ $E\flat$
The rhythm is: $D\flat$ (3 hits) ... $E\flat$ (1 hit). This repeats three times before sliding back into the main theme.
3. The Jazz Breakdown (C Section)
This is the "bluesy" middle section where the rhythm changes to a "swing" feel.
Common Progression:
$Ab7$ (The I chord, blues style)
$Db7$ (The IV chord)
$Eb7$ (The V chord)
In more advanced versions, there is a chromatic climb: $C \rightarrow D\flat \rightarrow D \rightarrow E\flat$ that leads the listener back into the main $A\flat$ theme.
"Linus and Lucy" is a fantastic piece for building hand independence. Would you like me to find a sheet music arrangement or a specific video tutorial for a certain skill level (e.g., beginner vs. advanced)?