Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Composer confirmed for film 7

I am really encouraged by what I hear. It sounds much more dynamic and compelling than the previous scores. It feels more like Harry Potter. I am looking forward to hearing more.

 

More samples here.

The soundtrack will be released on digital album, deluxe digital album (+ 3 bonus tracks and documentary), CD (+ 5.1 audio download) and collector's box set (CD, bonus CD with 6 tracks, LP, DVD with 5.1 audio, and other stuff). That's quite confusing.

 

Having finished listening to the album for Deathly Hallows Part 1, I'd give it a solid B.

It has several themes but they're somewhat subtle and or not very complicated. The album certainly doesn't quote Hedwigs theme very much and when it does, its only partial and a bit quiet. Of course its just the album and not the complete score. The instrumentation is nice and it feels like Williams in certain places in terms of an orchestra and arrangement so I like that. Can't say there's much that glues the score together but perhaps that's not necessary for this particular film. I want John Williams back for Part 2 but Desplat is definitely an upgrade from Hooper.

 

That's not very encouraging. Especially after Desplat said he would use Williams' themes more because they were underused in previous scores.

 

I agree. A return to some of the Williams themes would have been nice, but I guess you can't have everything.

 

A lot of John Williams' original themes for the first three Harry Potter movies would sound too whimsical and lighthearted when played during probably the darkest parts of the entire series. There would be major soundtrack dissonance. Better to have John Williams make a brand new score. Desplat did pretty well, though.

 

Hedwig's theme pops up a few times and I'm pretty sure Voldemort's theme is around 2 minutes into Sky Battle.

 

I agree with HL&S: the score is a B. It's quite enjoyable to listen to as you do work, presenting interesting melodies and sounds. In many ways, it sounds reminiscent of Williams -- except that it doesn't have any easily identifiable themes (at least to me, after my first listen). Still, it works quite well in the context of the film and as a standalone CD. That's worth something.

 

Honestly, Hedwig's theme, straight out, would have been major soundtrack dissonance. It's too lively for this film. What Desplat could have done was make one new theme for Harry, one for Voldemort, and interweave them into a bunch of different tunes as a sort of interplay. But I just think it's foolish to incorporate themes from the two lightest Harry Potter films into the soundtrack for the darkest one.