Music of the Harry Potter films

John Williams, composer of the first three films and creator of "Hedwig's Theme".

The music of the Harry Potter film series was recorded and released in conjunction with the post-production and releases of each of the eight corresponding films. The scores were composed by John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper, and Alexandre Desplat. Though Williams only scored the first three films, several motifs that he created have been reprised and incorporated into the remaining scores, in particular "Hedwig's Theme", which can be heard in all eight films. Other musicians credited with writing the Harry Potter music include Jarvis Cocker, The Ordinary Boys, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Jeremy Soule and James Hannigan wrote the music for the Harry Potter video games. J. Scott Rakozy, Peter Murray, and Chuck E. Myers "Sea" composed the music for Hogwarts Legacy.

Overview

Year Title Composer Conductor Orchestrator Orchestra
2001 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone John Williams John Williams John Williams
Conrad Pope
Alexander Courage
John Neufeld
Eddie Karam
Pete Anthony
Larry Rench 		London Symphony Orchestra
2002 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets William Ross
2004 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban John Williams
2005 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Patrick Doyle James Shearman Patrick Doyle
James Shearman
Lawrence Ashmore
John Bell
Brad Dechter
Nicole Nevin
James McWilliam
2007 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Nicholas Hooper Alastair King

Nicholas Hooper

Alastair King
Simon Whiteside
Geoff Alexander
Julian Kershaw
Bradley Miles 		Chamber Orchestra of London[1]
2009 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Nicholas Hooper
Alastair King 		Alastair King
Jeff Atmajian
Simon Whiteside
Daryl Griffith
Bradley Farmer
2010 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 Alexandre Desplat Alexandre Desplat
Conrad Pope
Jean-Pascal Beintus
Clifford Tasner
Richard Stewart
Nan Schwartz
Alejandro de la Llosa 		London Symphony Orchestra
2011 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 Alexandre Desplat
Conrad Pope
Jean-Pascal Beintus
Clifford Tasner
Bill Newlin
Nan Schwartz
Alejandro de la Llosa

Themes and motifs

Throughout the series, each composer created themes for particular characters, items, locations, and ideas. Several themes can be heard in films subsequent to the one they were written for, although very few lasted for the entire film series.

First appearance in The Philosopher's Stone

Theme Description Scores heard in
Hedwig's Theme[2] The dominant theme closely identified with and prominently used in all eight Harry Potter films. Though titled "Hedwig's Theme", it does not always specifically represent Hedwig, but rather the wider idea of magic and the Wizarding World franchise. Its concert suite is frequently performed by musicians and ensembles. The Philosopher's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Family Portrait Represents Harry's parents and his new family in Hogwarts. The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (Tracked)
Harry's Wondrous World Associated with Harry and his friendships with Ron and Hermione. The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Half-Blood Prince (recording sessions only) and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (Tracked)
Nimbus 2000 Associated with the Nimbus 2000, flying, and mischief. The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Voldemort's Theme A two-part theme associated with the main antagonist, Lord Voldemort The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
Philosopher's Stone Associated with the Philosopher's Stone and used to represent Voldemort in The Chamber of Secrets. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
Diagon Alley Represents Diagon Alley as a setting. The Philosopher's Stone (album only) and The Chamber of Secrets
Hogwarts Forever A thematic representation of Hogwarts The Philosopher's Stone
Quidditch Fanfare Represents the commencement of quidditch matches. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
Christmas at Hogwarts Associated with the arrival of winter and Christmas. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
The Dark Forest Represents the Dark Forest as a setting. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
The Flying Keys Represents flying magical objects and creatures; such as the flying keys in the first film, and Cornish Pixies and the bludger in the second film. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
The Banquet Fanfare Music used during banquet scenes. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
The Great Hall Fanfare Theme associated with the discovery of the amazing wizarding world. Used for the discoveries of Diagon Alley (in the movie), Hogwarts and the Great Hall (and during the sorting of Hermione). The Philosopher's Stone
Ron Weasley's Motif Whimsical theme used to represent the lightness of Ron. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
Weasley's Family Comical theme heard during family scenes, notably the train station scenes. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
Comical Theme Used for Hagrid's dragon and Ron's eat slugs curse. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
Revelation Theme Used with the first appearance of the Chessboard Chamber and the Chamber of Secrets. First heard when Filch and Snape discover that someone was in the restricted library in the first movie. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
The Sneaking Around Theme Heard with the first appearance of Dumbledore out of the mist; the Golden Trio visiting Hagrid in the middle of the night; the approach of the flying car; and Harry finding Nearly Headless Nick & Justin Finch-Fletchley petrified. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
Dursley's Theme Comical theme associated with the Dursleys. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
Ghosts' Motif Music heard when the ghosts appear. Also used in Moaning Myrtle's theme. The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets
Invisibility Cloak Theme Associated with the cloak during its use in the first two films. Also used when Harry is writing to Tom Riddle in the diary, and when Tom starts explaining to Harry the strange events that happened during school year in the second film. Heard very briefly in the third film when Harry puts on the cloak in the Honeydukes cellar. The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets and The Prisoner of Azkaban
Fluffy's Harp Music played by the harp in the first film, which was the instrument used to put Fluffy to sleep. The Philosopher's Stone
Leaving Hogwarts Music played when Harry gets on the train. The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2

First appearance in The Chamber of Secrets

Theme Description Scores Heard in
Fawkes the Phoenix Associated with Dumbledore's pet Phoenix. The Chamber of Secrets
Gilderoy Lockhart Represents Flourish & Blotts and the eponymous professor. The Chamber of Secrets
Dobby's Theme Represents Dobby the House Elf. The Chamber of Secrets
The Chamber of Secrets Associated with the Chamber of Secrets as a setting. The Chamber of Secrets
Moaning Myrtle Associated with Moaning Myrtle. The Chamber of Secrets
The Flying Car Represents the enchanted car used by the protagonists. The Chamber of Secrets
Spider's Theme Eight notes theme (one for each leg) associated with Aragog's spiders. A similar theme is heard in Munich (2005), which Williams was already scheduled for and had potentially started to develop. The Chamber of Secrets
Lucius Malfoy's Theme Conspiracy theme associated with Malfoy. It is based on a similar theme heard in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. The Chamber of Secrets
Errol the Owl Associated with the pet owl of the Weasley family. The Chamber of Secrets
Basilisk Duel Motif Associated with Harry's battle with the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets The Chamber of Secrets

First appearance in The Prisoner of Azkaban

Theme Description Scores Heard in
Double Trouble Works as the main thematic identity for the third score, also used in a source cue. The Prisoner of Azkaban
Sirius Black's Theme 3-note motif that represents Sirius Black as a villainous character. The Prisoner of Azkaban
A Window to the Past Associated with characters that have connections to Harry's parents. The Prisoner of Azkaban
Buckbeak's Flight Represents Buckbeak while flying. Also used when Harry and Hermione rescue Sirius Black. The Prisoner of Azkaban
Quidditch Motif Secondary theme used to represent Quidditch. Reprised by Nicholas Hooper in The Half-Blood Prince during Ron's Quidditch tryout. The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Half-Blood Prince
Patronus Theme Associated with the Patronus Charm. The Prisoner of Azkaban
Marauders' Motif Associated with Sirius Black in animal form, Remus Lupin in werewolf form, and the Marauders' Map itself. Much like Peter Pettigrew's Theme, it uses primarily chromatic neighbours. The Prisoner of Azkaban
Betrayal Theme Represents Harry's emotional response upon learning his parents were betrayed and Lupin's resignation. The Prisoner of Azkaban
Peter Pettigrew's Theme Represents Peter Pettigrew. A similar theme is heard in Munich (2005), which Williams was working on concurrently. The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Order of the Phoenix (recording sessions only)[3] and The Half-Blood Prince[4]

First appearance in The Goblet of Fire

Theme Description Scores Heard in
Voldemort's Theme New thematic identity for Lord Voldemort. The Goblet of Fire and The Order of the Phoenix[5]
Harry's Theme New thematic identity for Harry. Its concert suite is entitled "Harry in Winter". The Goblet of Fire
Hogwarts' Hymn New thematic identity for Hogwarts. The Goblet of Fire
Durmstrang Theme Thematic identity for Viktor Krum and Durmstrang. Also used for the Bulgarian Quidditch team. The Goblet of Fire
Beauxbatons Theme Thematic identity for Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. The Goblet of Fire
Moaning Myrtle's Theme New theme for Moaning Myrtle. Uses similar orchestration to Williams's original theme for the same character. The Goblet of Fire
Merpeople's Theme Associated with the Merpeople and the Second Task. First heard when Harry opens the golden egg underwater, and again when he is competing in the task. The Goblet of Fire

First appearance in The Order of the Phoenix

Theme Description Scores Heard in
Professor Umbridge's Theme Represents Hogwarts Professor Dolores Umbridge. The Order of the Phoenix and The Half-Blood Prince
Possession Theme Associated with Voldemort and his attempt to possess Harry. The Order of the Phoenix and The Half-Blood Prince
Weasley's Wizard Wheezes Theme Associated with the antics of Fred and George Weasley. The Order of the Phoenix and The Half-Blood Prince
Dumbledore's Army Theme Represents Dumbledore's Army and the bonding of friends. The Order of the Phoenix and The Half-Blood Prince (tracked)
Kiss Theme Represents Harry's love and later his friendship. The Order of the Phoenix and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Ministry of Magic Theme Represents the Ministry of Magic. Bears similarities in orchestration to Alexandre Desplat's theme for the Ministry in The Deathly Hallows – Part 1. The Order of the Phoenix

First appearance in The Half-Blood Prince

Theme Description Scores Heard in
"In Noctem" Theme Represents Albus Dumbledore. The Half-Blood Prince
Death Eater Theme Rhythmic ostinato for Voldemort's Death Eaters. The Half-Blood Prince
Malfoy's Theme Represents Draco Malfoy and his mission. The Half-Blood Prince
Slughorn's Theme Associated with Professor Slughorn. The Half-Blood Prince
Harry and Hermione Theme Represents Harry's friendship with Hermione. The Half-Blood Prince
Ginny's Theme New romance theme. Used specifically in reference to Ginny. The Half-Blood Prince
Dumbledore's Farewell Theme Associated with the death of Albus Dumbledore. Also used by Alexandre Desplat in the score for Snape's memories in The Deathly Hallows – Part 2. The Half-Blood Prince and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (tracked)

First appearance in The Deathly Hallows – Part 1

Theme Description Scores Heard in
Obliviate Represents the loss of innocence of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Main identity for the movie. The Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Band of Brothers Theme (Friends Theme) In The Deathly Hallows – Part 1, it represents the Order of the Phoenix. In The Deathly Hallows – Part 2, the theme is associated specifically with Neville. Also used as a theme for Ginny and Harry. The Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Voldemort's Theme New thematic identity for Lord Voldemort. The Deathly Hallows – Part 1
Death Eaters Ostinato motif representing the Death Eaters. Often played in counterpoint with Voldemort's theme. The Deathly Hallows – Part 1
Dumbledore Theme New thematic identity for Dumbledore and his family. The Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (Tracked)
Horcruxes Theme Associated with Voldemort's horcruxes. This theme is first used for the locket in Part 1. The Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Ron's Theme or Love Theme Theme associated with Ron and obviously as a love theme for him and Hermione. It can be heard in Ron Leaves, Ron's Speech and at the end of Hermione's Parents when Ron returns in Part 1. It is reused in Part 2 during the kiss and when Hermione and Ron search for Harry during the battle (not used). The Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Hermione's Theme Sweet Theme associated with Hermione. This theme can be heard prominently in the first part of Hermione's Parents and at the end of The Dumbledores. It is used again during the torture scene with Bellatrix. In the Demos of the soundtrack this theme can also be heard in the track Traveling Montage when Harry and Hermione disappear after the departure of Ron (but this track is not in the final soundtrack or movie). The Deathly Hallows – Part 1
Deathly Hallows Represents the Deathly Hallows as objects. The Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Dobby's Theme New thematic identity for Dobby. The Deathly Hallows – Part 1
Lovegood's Theme Represents Xenophilius Lovegood, and is often in counterpoint with the "Deathly Hallows" theme. Only heard in the credits. The Deathly Hallows – Part 1

First appearance in The Deathly Hallows – Part 2

Theme Description Scores Heard in
Lily's Theme Associated with the memory of Harry's mother. The Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Statues Represents the Battle of Hogwarts. The Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Battlefield Secondary theme for the Battle of Hogwarts. The Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Severus and Lily Represents Snape's love for Harry's mother. The Deathly Hallows – Part 2
Resurrection Theme Represents the Resurrection Stone and life. The Deathly Hallows – Part 2

References

  1. ^ Carlsson, Mikael (). "Hooper writes new themes for Potter" (PDF). Film Music Weekly (14). p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 July 2007., Mikael (8 May 2007). "Hooper writes new themes for Potter" (PDF). Film Music Weekly. No. 14. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 July 2007.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Williams, John (5 September 2010), Composers Commentary on The Harry Potter Suite by John Williams and the Boston Pops, archived from the original on 21 December 2021, retrieved 7 January 2019
  3. ^ "McGonagall & Umbridge". Youtube.com. pp. 16 seconds. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
  4. ^ "The Book". Youtube.com. 14 March 2019. pp. 1 minute and 12 seconds. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
  5. ^ "Darkness Takes Over". Youtube.com. 8 November 2014. pp. 42 seconds. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2018.