Scala Radio Love Letter: John Williams' most iconic of scores for Harry Potter
Who else could have thought up a melody so haunting and jolly in equal parts?
Last updated 1st Dec 2021
No matter your age or fictional story preferences, it's likely that you'll have seen at least one Harry Potter film in your life. And even if you didn't particularly enjoy it, we can all surely agree that John Williams wrote of the most one magnificent scores for the film franchise.
As is the case for a select few film composers, Williams' scores have enhanced their movies beyond measure. The music behind the heartfelt moments on-screen are often what elevate them to iconic status, cementing them in the memories of those who watch and then later reflect with wistful nostalgia. In the case of this Scala Radio Love Letter, that certainly applies here.
Beginning all the way back in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the Harry Potter theme we all know and love - entitled 'Hedwig's theme' named after Harry's pet snowy owl who accompanies him throughout his life until the very end (no spoilers here). That's why the theme is a part of every single Harry Potter score through to the Deathly Hallows Part II, released in 2011.
Williams' ability to create something so spine-tinglingly haunting yet simultaneously jolly only adds to the wondrous world of Harry Potter. It fits so perfectly that, whether you enjoy the films or think they're disloyal to the books, the score transcends opinion.
The 'Prologue' is a very tentative and "stripped back" version of the theme, played on a solo celeste that is a sound so pure, one could imagine it being played on champagne flutes.
Quivering strings join for the second round of the theme, creating a delicious air of suspense, before the woodwind join with blissfully-wild chromatic scales. From this moment on there is no doubt: this film is about magic.
As industrious strings continue with their chaotic journeys, a horn takes control of the situation, striding through the orchestra with the theme that remind us what's most important. As it plays for the fourth time, there's an added urgency brought by the addition of more instruments - and if you're not excited by now, you must be made of stone like Hogwarts itself. Everything is suddenly wrapped up by the strings, as if a spell has been cast...
A new theme enters, once again introduced by the celeste, and although it's not long before the strings are waspishly taking over as before, the celesta holds its own with an incredibly impressive variation on the new theme that could, quite frankly, leave heads spinning - and there concludes the Prologue.
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Listen: John Williams, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - 'Prologue' / 'Hedwig's Theme'
'Harry's Wondrous World' is a loud and proud variation on the theme, and quickly introduces a new motif often associated with Harry's life at Hogwarts as it's so warm and welcoming - there are definitely traits of classic Williams scores like E.T. and Star Wars echoing throughout, with swelling strings working in tandem alongside a quick and staccato moment to show the duality of Harry's life.
It's just pure jubilation, especially with that key change where the brass take over the melody. Another theme enters - and although is played with vim and vigour here, it's repeated much slower and more forlornly at the end of the film, as Harry says a temporary goodbye to his new life at the end of his school year.
Everything happens so quickly in this track that it's hard to keep up. In one moment, there's a nod to Holst's Jupiter; another is straight out of Williams' score for Hook; it's almost as if we can see Harry having a food fight with Rufio and the other Lost Boys.
The crescendo builds to an obvious final moment, but Williams gets those strings buzzing away to excite us again before the harp closes it down and sends us to sleep - much like Fluffy the three-headed dog.
Listen: John Williams, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - 'Harry's Wondrous World'
Another joyous moment from Williams' score for the film comes in the form of the Christmas theme - 'Christmas at Hogwarts'. Of course, the story goes that Harry had most likely never experienced a genuinely merry Christmas prior to attending Hogwarts, having spent most of his life in the cupboard under the stairs at the home of his less-than affectionate Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon.
The film score for the moment Harry finally experiences true Christmas joy is really wonderful. Ascending sequences add to what is surely Harry's elation over finally being accepted into a family, thanks to the Weasleys. Although there's a creepy section with whispery vocals, it quickly returns to festive cheer.
Listen: John Williams, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - 'Christmas at Hogwarts'
John Williams scored the first three Harry Potter films
Williams returned for the second (Chamber of Secrets) and third (Prisoner of Azkaban) instalments in the franchise, but was unable to return for the subsequent five films. Although it's not official as to why, it's thought that scheduling conflicts did not allow him to work on the franchise further - but the themes remained, thanks to latter composers Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper and Alexandre Desplat.
Which other films has John Williams composed music for?
Being one of the most prolific film composers of all time, there's a plenty lengthy list - but here are a few you might have heard of: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, Superman, E.T., Home Alone, Hook, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan among many more.
Join Charles Nove for Screen Time between 9 and 10am weekdays for more film music.
Listen to Mark Kermode's film music show on Scala Radio between 1 and 3pm every Saturday.