by Kirkinson on 10/25/2001
Spells are being cast and miscast left and right, wizards and witches live all around us, schools are infested with ghosts, trolls, and three-headed dogs, and owls are behaving in a most peculiar manner. That is only a sample of the world of Harry Potter, and only a fraction of what John Williams had to describe in his music.
Film score followers and Harry Potter fanatics alike have been in a tizzy since it was announced that John Williams was on board for the film, and many have been drooling with anticipation. Now that wait is over, and all those excited, fanatical listeners now have even more to be excited about. It's here, and it's good. It's very good.
The score is everything you could hope for from John Williams and Harry Potter, and a great deal more than you might expect. From the resplendent themes and the rich orchestrations to the unusual sounds Williams employs every so often, it is pure fantasy, sweet like sugar but dark as devil's food and thick as pea soup.
As with most Williams scores, the themes are rich, memorable, and the center of attention. Hedwig's theme is the most memorable, and has surely already been engraved into the brains of every Potter maniac who has seen the trailers. The label with which Williams christened the theme is actually something of a misnomer, as he uses it to represent a lot more than Harry's owl. It is the main theme of the score, and its effect on the rest of the music is always quite positive. Williams uses the theme a lot, but not so much that it wears out its welcome, and he only uses it where he knows it will be the most effective.
Some have also compared Hedwig's theme to the music of Danny Elfman, but this, too, is misleading. While Harry Potter definitely shares its mood and aura of dark fantasy with Elfman's ventures into the genre, stylistically the entire score is pure, unmistakable John Williams.
Another prominent theme first shows up in track two, "Harry's Wondrous World," obviously in concert suite form. It's a lush, sensitive, and somewhat sad theme, but like Harry himself, not certainly not without its own heroic tendencies, and rather akin to the Neverland theme from Williams' Hook. Unlike Hedwig's theme, Harry's melody does not jump out and grab you the moment you hear it; it takes a few moments to get used to. It doesn't take long, though, and after the second track has ended Harry's theme will have joined Hedwig's in the continual loop inside your mind.
Few other themes feature very prominently. There is a theme for Hogwarts, first introduced in track six. In its fullest interpretation it is reminiscent of the feasting cues from Hook, while at other times Williams alters it to sound more formal and baroque.
The score soars from cue to cue in seamless rapture, at times playful or creepy, heroic and exciting, frightening or funny, with several highlight tracks. Tracks three, five, and six all employ a large choir exceptionally well, and track five also contains some rather interesting uses of fiddling and Renaissance instruments to represent Diagon Alley. Williams utilizes some other interesting techniques in "Christmas at Hogwarts," a song sung quietly over an eerie synthesized backing, "In the Devil's Snare," with its dissonant brass wining, and "Fluffy's Harp," an unusual but charming duet for harp and bassoon.
"Mr. Longbottom Flies" is the first major action cue of the album, and after some enjoyably silly romping from the strings to represent Neville's befuddlement comes a fabulous rendition of Hedwig's theme for the ensuing chase between Harry and Draco Malfoy, ending with a rather humorous appearance of the Hogwarts theme.
"The Quidditch Match" could easily be the best cue on the disc. It is a Williams action cue of the highest caliber, racing strings and proud brass notes galore. Action music becomes the focus of the score after track fourteen, with some very pleasing results...
by Crono on 11/19/2001
favorite track: 2
"Dear Mr. Potter...."
It is perhaps the most famous phrase heard by anyone who's entered the world of "Harry Potter." It is this phrase that kicks Harry's life into high gear and sends him off into a world of wizards, witches, potions, dragons, trolls and magic.
Harry's wondrous world was presented on film in stunning and brilliant detail when the first trailer hit the theatres. People were awe struck by it. Images danced at 24 frames per second and the music ("Hedwig's Theme") flowed like water down a mountainside. The music made "Harry Potter" fans imagine and wonder what the rest of the music (and film) would be like. From book to screen, from screen to notes, from notes to an orchestral score, "Harry Potter" has traveled the spectrum of readers' minds, moviegoers and film score fans alike.
For lack of better words, John Williams' score is absolutely amazing. It fits the film extremely well. The film opens with the quiet and epic "The Arrival of Baby Harry" and from the first frame to the last, the music (and film) doesn't let us go. The first cue really sets the feel and tone for the film. While it is mysterious, it has its own sense of wonder and amazement, like the music is in awe of the film itself - a nice touch by Williams. The cue also makes use of the main themes for both Hedwig and Harry.
While "Hedwig's Theme" is the primary theme through the score, there are some other key themes. Harry's theme is heard a few times in the film and largely (and beautifully) in the "Harry's Wondrous World," the end credits. The cue was originally set for the end of the CD, but was moved to the beginning of the disc in an attempt to hook and sink the listener in, and succeeds nicely. In addition to "The Arrival of Baby Harry" and "Harry's Wondrous World," Harry's theme is heard in "The Quidditch Match." The theme itself is an epic fanfare, making use of a lot of string work and backing brass elements - an absolutely brilliant theme that swells out of the speakers, giving the listener a since of wonder, delight and happiness. Welcome to the world of Harry Potter!
"Hogwarts Theme" (Hogwarts is the School of Magic that Harry and company attend somewhere in the United Kingdom) is a very nice tune, with lots of string work here that builds from the get-go. Like Harry's theme, this is a very swelling piece of music that gives a wonderful sense of pride in something, yet, I feel that it conveys a since of sadness to the listener, but it also hints that things will get better.
William's has a lot to live up to here, so what about a few notable action cues? First off is the long (about 9 minutes worth) "Quidditch Match." This music is amazing on the CD, but absolutely breathtaking on screen. "Quidditch" combines most, if not all, of the film's themes. Loud and fast, the music takes us on a broomstick ride through the sky and stands of Hogwarts' Quidditch Stadium. The various themes mix together nicely, and really get your blood pumping and ready for more.
The other really great action cue on the disc is "The Chess Game." Conveying the sense of "Oh My God! We're Screwed!" the track spins the listener off into a world of danger and suspense. The brassy music also features strings and even some bells mixed in. The highlight comes near the end when Williams goes into, dare I say it, Aliens mode. I am not even close to kidding - the end of this cue sounds like "Bishop's Countdown" from James Horner's Aliens. The great brass work is amazing, and fits extremely well and I love it. Williams playing Horner - how funny is that?
Another minor theme is that of the dark lord Voldemort (or He-Who-Must-Not-Be Named), which comes into play in "The Face of Voldemort." Made up of some string work with light brass, this is your typical "bad guy" theme, yet it still manages to send a few chills down the spine (Williams, you are truly the master).
Some other minor things on the disc, the Christmas-themed track titled "Christmas at Hogwarts" features not only a Home Alone-like Christmas theme, but also a carol by the ghosts performed (walking down the hall, sheets of music and all) by the house Ghosts of Hogwarts, an effective track that gets its message across loud and clear to the listener. I find it funny that they still managed to include a "song" in the film. At least the Backstreet Boys didn't perform a song called "The Boy Who Lived." The track called "Fluffy's Harp" is great because that's exactly what it is performed with, a harp! (And a small brass backing) A refreshing track that signals the calm before the storm, this nice track fits nicely into the framework of the score.
The score its self is brilliant, by far one of my favorite William's CDs, (next to every Spielberg CD of course.) From the first note to the final one, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone transports you to that wondrous world of: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Rubeus Hagrid, Albus Dumbledore, Professor Minerva McGonagall, and of course, Professor Severus Snape. Its magical cloak is one you will want to wear and experience again and again for years to come. I remember the first time I heard this disc (actually I only heard tracks 1 and 2) I was stunned that I could barley walk and I was in a state of shock and wonder for about 45 minutes.
As a fan of the Harry Potter series, this review may be a bit biased, however, out of 600+ votes on this site at the highest rated CD this far this year (or any for that matter) I think many listeners here in the United States, the United Kingdom and around the world have put that magical cloak around them and felt the warmth, power and magic of William's music.
Bring on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
by kisses2daladys on 12/3/2001
favorite track: 9
This was a very good soundtrack to listen to with the movie, otherwise it's not worth it. There has been much Harry Potter hype in the past month or so, and I really don't think this lives up to it.
John Williams did a great job composing the theme for this movie, but that's all the whole album is, the theme. The theme for Harry Potter is repeated over 20 times on the CD. I think that's a bit much. The rest of the CD consists of boring underscore music which doesn't even make sense unless you have seen the movie. I basically just let the CD run in my car, and after a while I forgot it was on.
The only track that I really enjoyed was the beginning of "Hogwarts Forever!" Nothing but a powerful french horn ensemble there.
I think that John Williams really went downhill with this one. Considering his track record, I think he could have done a lot better and I really feel this score could be left out of the collection, even by even a die-hard John Williams fan.
by enwitch on 12/11/2001
favorite track: 2
I have heard all on the tracks and I am very happy I bought it. I listen to it everyday on my way to work and back home and never get tired of it. It is a wonderful soundtrack - so well written and perfect for Harry Potter.
The music brings you to a time where true magic lies and brings every hope in every child.
Harry Potter is a wonderful movie. Unforgettable and easy to love - that after watching it, how I wish I was a kid again.
Those were the days when dreams came true and the future ahead looked bright.
by CLARINET_2003 on 1/1/2002
favorite track: 19
John Williams has done it again. This one is so good, I will buy it as a Christmas gift for my little brother. Even though I own it, I will buy it for him because I think he will love it too. John Williams should get an award for this soundtrack. I think this one beats Star Wars. I really do. He is the best when it comes to music and this score shows it.
by lil_sweetie39 on 1/2/2002
favorite track: 18
I LOVED the soundtrack, which is probably weird to hear from a 15 year old, since it's all instrumental. I play the piano, so I personally appreciated it. I loved "Leaving Hogwarts," because it's kind of sad and makes me think of Harry and his parents or the mirror of Erised. I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan, I've seen the movie 4 times, read all the books twice, and collect everything from calendars to action figures. The soundtrack was a must-have! I cannot get enough of the music. Great job John!! :-)
by TheoGrz on 1/7/2002
favorite track: 2
Ok, so you've looked at all the rave reviews sitting happily on top of this one, and thought "how on earth can someone write so much about something?" And you've thought "Ah - ha! Here's a shorter one!" Well, that's my plan, but this review may take a little longer than I am expecting it to. The soundtrack is catchy, yes, but worthy of £15 of your savings - NO. Someone has already said that this CD repeats itself 20 times and they're correct. All the best bits are rolled into "Harry's Wondrous World," and let's face it - one day or another, someone's gunna bung track two onto a compilation CD, so it's probably worth waiting til' then. Nah, don't waste your money.
by hotpotflo on 1/29/2002
This soundtrack is, at best, enchanting, and at worst, a low-rent photocopy of Williams' work from earlier films. He clearly is a gifted composer, so why not use his gift rather than recycle old ideas? It bears too much resemblance to other themes and other scores, most obviously the Home Alone soundtrack. An absolute fallacy compared to Howard Shore's brilliance in the Tolkien trilogy.
by gromitsfan on 6/21/2002
favorite track: 9
While perhaps not Williams' greatest score, this is good music. The composer obviously wrote with the audience in mind - children as well as adults. He does repeat themes, but also includes some more complex harmonies and orchestrations. I think the music has something for everyone. When the movie is watched with concentration on the music, you notice that a lot of the tracks are excerpted only - and that there's quite a lot of scenes with no music at all. This movie was not the sweeping epic that provides a lot of opportunity to the composer. The movie and its soundtrack were trying to tell the story clearly. I think Williams' use of repeated themes helps it do that. Has anyone noticed that the music on the CD for Diagon Alley is NOT the music in the movie? A completely different theme was used in the film and does not appear anywhere on the CD. I wonder if Chris Columbus may have felt that the renaissance-like score may not have suited the more Dickensian feel of the Alley? Lastly, the horn quartet in track 9 is fantastic and uses the whole range of the instrument from low to high (being a horn player myself I appreciate its soaring melody - love it that you can hear the musicians breathing between notes!).
by ofsquishboy on 8/5/2002
favorite track: 16
This was definitely one of Williams' better scores. Yes, it did have familiar themes in it, like the Home Alone-type music in "Christmas at Hogwarts." But for the familiarity of his other scores, and the repeating of Harry's theme, this soundtrack is a must have. I particularly like "The Chess Game" for the big crescendo at the end with the percussion and brass part. "The Quidditch Match," though long, was also a favorite for all the action music. John Williams is the best and don't let no one tell you different.
by melawyn on 7/29/2003
favorite track: 19
Wonderfully magical music! John Williams was the perfect choice to score this film. I love listening to this CD while I read the new book (which I grabbed a copy of the first chance I got)! "Hedwig's Theme" is my favorite; I bought the sheet music and am learning to play it on my piano... it's so much fun! Hats off to John Williams for another job impeccably done!
by ein30 on 9/3/2003
favorite track: 2
This album deserves more than 5 stars. Again John Williams shows his talent at making movie music, this being his best album so far.
Making movie music is everything but easy, not just do you have to make music, but you also have to make it describe the things and happenings in the movie. This is what makes John Williams' music so unique.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone shows John Williams at his best. The music is a history of Harry Potter's first year from beginning to end, perfectly describing all of his events outside and inside Hogwarts. An example is "The Hogwart's Express," which, in my opinion, couldn't have been better. John Williams has this way of using the instruments to make such fantastic descriptions. Hearing the music, one can so easily imagine the Weasleys hurrying with all their trunks to platform nine and three quarters.
The album just gets better the more you listen to it, and each time you discover something new with it. The music's so well composed, it would have taken so much to make it better. John Williams truly deserves his huge part at making Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone such a remarkable adventure.
by lyell5 on 9/14/2003
favorite track: 19
Were it not for the amazing closing track, this CD would have been a complete waste. For some unknown reason (or perhaps an excuse for an "Ultimate Edition"), one of the only really striking fantasy themes, the one which played over Harry's arrival in Diagon Alley and as the children walk into the Great Hall, has been left out. I cannot fathom why this theme was left out, as it stands head and shoulders above everything else on the album - with the exception being the blistering "Hedwig's Theme." The overall feel is disjointed and some of the music on offer is downright annoying (unless you love false French Horns for some reason). Unless you're a major Williams fan or a Harry Potter nut, this CD will leave you feeling cheated.
by Punky0421 on 10/3/2003
favorite track: 8
I absolutely LOVE this soundtrack. The music sounds so much like I was hoping for - very suspensful, sad, exciting, and joyful. Johnny Williams did great with this soundtrack, just as he does with all of his other ones. My favorite track is number 8 because you can just hear Draco Malfoy saying, "Practicing for the ballet, Potter?" and you can just see him and Harry flying in the air on their broomsticks; and the other students' triumph as Harry catches the Remembrall. This music really brings out the themes in the movie and I just love it!
by bellebe on 6/18/2004
favorite track: 11
I absolutely LOVE this soundtrack! Apart from the "Quidditch Match" I also like "Harry's Wondrous World." I don't know how people can think it's boring.
by Chris_McRae on 7/20/2004
favorite track: 11
This is a brilliant soundtrack. The variety and range of themes and instruments used to portray Harry's Wondorous World are just great. Williams has combined unique sounds from each orchestral section to compile a truly magical listening experience.
My favourite track, "The Quidditch Match," is just fantastic, due to the fact that it combines many styles of orchestration within a perfect time of around eight minutes. After viewing this section in the film, I knew that the soundtrack CD would be on my Christmas wish list.
This is one of Williams' greatest achievements to date. JUST MAGICAL!!
by pianoman on 10/9/2004
Once again, John Williams produces all the goods with the first score of his latest saga. Like Star Wars, he has created a large array of themes, all interwoven into the underscore... a techique called "leitmotif"... which Williams does better than any other composer. "Harry's Theme" is innocent and noble at the same time, and is a brilliant and beautiful theme. "Hedwig's Theme" is dark, mysterious and powerful... and just screams of Harry Potter.
The action sequence in "Quiddich Match" is incredible and the magic is truly in this score. I highly recommended album for Williams and fantasy score fans alike.
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