Writing's On the Wall

Writer: 
Sam Smith
Year: 
2015
Voices: 
Women's four part
Ranges: 

Tenor: D4 - E flat 5
Lead: B flat 3 - D5
Bari: A3 - C5
Bass: D3 - F4

Sam Smith's theme tune for the James Bond film Spectre pulls at the heartstrings as it wavers between strength and vulnerability in an atmosphere of impending doom. The arrangement shares melodic material between the parts: the lead taking the main narrative, but handing over to the tenor for passages of particular emotional fragility. The bass takes the melody in the bridge, echoing the orchestral surges of the original, while the baritone takes the characteristic Bond-motifs that are woven in as counter-melody throughout.

I don't have a recording of a complete performance, but parts of it are used in this lockdown project and will give you an idea: