Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

John Williams' next score is only 3 days away, so I thought it was time to set up a discussion thread for it.

So far, buzz on the score to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone has been very positive, moreso than the buzz on most recent Williams scores. And with the hype behind the film, it might end up being one of the best selling soundtracks of the year.

The trailers to the film featured "Hedwig's Theme", a magical waltz-like theme that has gotten nothing but raves. That is the main reason why I'm excited about this score, though the other parts of the score sound very promising, also. I'm sure I'm not the only one who plans on getting the CD on Tuesday to hear what may be more of Williams' trademark magic.

Links

Official Harry Potter Soundtrack Site (with clips)

MovieMusic.com Soundtrack Review

Amazon.com Soundtrack Review

Home Theater Forum Movie Review

 

Yah, I love that haunting theme that the current trailer starts off with. I actually like it more than the louder theme or whatever that plays as the owl brings Harry's broom to him in the mess hall. Haunting is good- and a very different type of Williams.

 

I think I might actually buy this one, it does sound quite good.

 

WarnerBros./AOL are having a FREE preview of the HP soundtrack in its entirety.

Click hear to listen!
(Real Player required)

 

Awesome. I be listening now.

 

AWESOME! This is great!!

 

Here's the direct link. Unfortunately, no download managers will let me download it because of the stupid unknown protocol (rtsp).

 

yeah I tried and tried a thousand times to download it...But they know how to hide thier sources, don't they...?

I just plugged a tape deck into my computer and recorded the thing. Sometimes the old ways are the best...

Oh and...I like it ! Sithman is right, I like the "haunting" melody better than the fanfare like thing. There is also this creepy Christmas song that has a weird magnetism...I'll buy the CD for sure, when I am fed up with the non stereo version (that's what it is when you have a 56K modem...)

EDIT : I just noticed that there is supposed to be 19 tracks ( There )!! I didn't get this impression when listening at it with the AOL link. Is it the same version ?

 

There are 19 tracks. It's a good score. Picked it up this morning. My favorite JW work since Hook, I'd dare to say.

 

I'm listening to the "Quidditch Match" track right now. Good stuff.

 

Is it good?

Plus, how long is it? Do you get *a lot* of music for your money? (When CDs can hold up to 80 minutes of music, it kind of *irks* me to only get a 35 minute album of material from a two hour movie....)

Also, how long is 'A.I.'?


I'm thinking about getting both next month.....

 

I wanted to get it today, but I didn't have enough money.

 

It's a packed CD, 73 minutes

 

Thanks, Mastage!!! I'll pick it up on Friday....(I assume you're talking about 'Harry Potter').


Anyone know how long the 'A.I.' soundtrack is?

 

I find the Christmas Song extremely reminiscent of the song from Nightmare before Christmas.

 

The A.I. CD has 70 minutes and 13 seconds of music (including the two "For Always" songs). It has almost the entire score from the film. I highly-recommend it if you want an unique Williams score.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if it were ghosts that sung this Christmas thing in the movie (I'd even be surprised if if wasn't them !).

Right after that Christmas song, when the melody gets happier...See ?
This reminds me of the "Home Alone" series.

 

There are ghosts in the book. Four of them. Don't remember them singing in the book, but it's been a couple years since I read it.

 

Honestly, I wasn't too impressed. Except for the Hedgwig theme (which is quite catchy), there wasn't too much music in this score that really jumps out and grabs you. A lot of it seems like unforgettable background/filler music.

And good gosh, could this sound any more like Hook? I sure hope Williams hasn't run out of ideas. Let's hope he pulls out all the stops for Episode 2.

 

I think it great. Yeah, it's reminiscent of Hook, E.T. Star Wars, and even The Patriot. But I think of its more of a stylistic thing. Kind like when you listen to Van Halen. You know Eddie when you hear it. I really dig "The Quidditch Match" and "The Chess Game".

(Edit - spelling)

 

Ok, I got the CD today. I'm too tired to listen to it now, so I'll listen to it tomorrow. After I do so, I'll post my thoughts here.

 

After listening to it, I don't get the Hook comparisons at all. Hook had a ton of recurring themes and motifs. Harry Potter has only about 2 or 3. Hook was also a much more magical and exciting score.

Having said that, I enjoyed the score a lot. It's true that there is a lot of underscore, but not really as much as TPM had. "The Quidditch Match" is an exciting track, as are "The Chess Game" and "The Face of Voldemort". "Prologue", "Harry's Wondrous World" and "Visit to the Zoo/Letter from Hogwarts" are also quite enchanting. However, the concert arrangment of "Hedwig's Theme" remains my favorite track. Quite powerful to listen to on a good sound system.

Is it my favorite Williams score of the year? Well, I would still rank A.I higher, but that's because I've seen the film. Maybe my opinion will change once I see Harry Potter in theaters.

 

I'll see the film before I buy the soundtrack, methinks...

 

I've heard "The Quidditch Match", and it sounds a bit poor actually. Reminds me strongly of Beggars Canyon Chase, from SOTE by Joel McNeeley, only more of a cacophany, and not able to hum it. Hedwig's Theme sounds great, and unlike anything i've heard him do. Very good, and quite spooky.

 

Is Hedwigs theme the one in the trailer?
I think it sounds a bit like Schindlers list...