Harry Potter – Hedwig’s Flight

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Released: 2001
Director: Chris Columbus
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

Film: An orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.

Composer: John Williams is quite possibly one of the most recognizable names among film composers. His film and television work have earned Williams an unprecedented level of popularity — not only as a film composer, but as a musician in general.

Williams’s first Harry Potter score had to help establish the on-screen version of the magical universe infused with mystery and adventure. Warner Bros. approached Williams to write music for an early piece of promotional material, and without even seeing a frame of film, he composed what would eventually become the series’ most iconic piece of music, “Hedwig’s Theme.” The theme is voiced by noble horns and accompanied by swirling strings and delicate notes from the celesta, an instrument that provides a spectral, magical sound. “Hedwig needed some music that was gossamer, light, so I thought celesta.” Williams said in publicity interviews for the film. “It’s kind of like a bird’s feather floating.” Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJMnRGREnvk&list=PLnKGkLuGAZ25w8fzWqvh2dErQu9Vx4j9W

John Williams was nominated for 10 different awards for the soundtrack of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. John Williams is a household name, and his movie themes are as instantly recognizable and acclaimed as many of the most popular hit songs and albums of the last four decades.