A Time For Us – Nino Rota

About this piece

A Time For Us is the love theme Nino Rota composed for Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film Romeo and Juliet. The Italian composer was celebrated for his film scores, and this tender, sweeping melody has remained a favourite of pianists and romantic music lovers ever since.

This medium-level arrangement lasts about 2 minutes 16 seconds and is written in 4/4 at a slow 69 beats per minute. It gives each hand its own part and spans a very wide range, from G1 deep in the bass up to G6 near the top of the keyboard, so expect to move across the instrument while keeping the melody singing above a fuller accompaniment.

On the web this page plays a 30-second preview; the full song, with lessons and fingering, is in the EzPiano app. Use the preview to get to know the opening bars. Choose the right hand first and practise it in Wait mode, then take the left hand on its own, since its low notes travel far. Slow the speed to 50–60 % and set an A–B loop on any passage where the hands leap. Turn on note names to find the lowest bass keys quickly, and add the count-in so you start relaxed in the unhurried tempo. Once both hands feel secure, try Play along and let the long phrases breathe.