Music Chart - w/c 13 April 2020

We're on a theme this week. And the theme is.. Harry Potter. From 2001 to 2011, we had 10 years, 8 films and a whole lot of soundtrack to get through. And quite a few composers too. 1-3 were composed by the great John Williams... 4 by Patrick Doyle, 5 and 6 by Nicholas Hooper, with 7 being composed by Alexandre Desplat. So you can imagine we'll encounter many different styles in amongst the tracks featured this week, because every composer is different, even if the films follow a similar theme.

Now, I know I'm in risky territory here. Everyone loves HP... so if I miss your favourites, I'm sorry. Please don't judge me. And please also forgive Order of the Phoenix only getting one entry... I simply CAN'T STAND UMBRIDGE! You probably already know which track I'm going for in that instance... Who knew the greatest Harry Potter villain would own kitten plates and wear pink.

Anyways, back to more enjoyable things... THE MUSIC. Here we go!

And remember, you can find the playlist here, as always: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5uvGPB5HsOhdICfOxGVqDZ?si=eQQVjyEAQ92DHmXMKXQ1Wg

NUMBER 10.

Hedwig's Theme - John Williams

So I bet some of you weren't aware that the main theme was actually called Hedwig's Theme? And why should it not be. The coolest and cutest owl there ever was. Protecting and loving Harry to the last.

NUMBER 9.

Lily's Theme - Alexandre Desplat

A strange new reality at Hogwarts. It's different to the opening sequences we've seen in the previous movies, with Hogwarts surrounded by Dementors and students being led by Death Eaters to class. Lily's Theme starts with a shot of Professor Snape, looking down at what has happened, a look of sorrow in his eyes. It's eerie but it's one of my favourites. The voice is beautiful.

NUMBER 8.

Dumbledore's Farewell - Nicholas Hooper

Dumbledore has just fallen from the Astronomy Tower, the Dark Mark has appeared in the sky, and all seems lost on the grounds below. Professor McGonagall raises her wand, a small light shining from the top of it, and points it to the sky in memory and sadness, and as everyone starts to follow suit, the Dark Mark disappears. The sadness and emotions that come out in the strings and the bass-like horns is so sombre that you feel like you're reliving it, and it certainly brings a tear to my eye when I'm watching it...

NUMBER 7.

Fawkes the Phoenix - John Williams

After Buckbeak, Fawkes is my favourite bird of the series. The music sounds very birdlike, with the trilling of the violins making it seem like bird flight. You can almost hear the sense of wonder when you hear the theme each time. The final scenes of Harry et al in the caves in the Chamber of Secrets show Gilderoy Lockhart shouting, "Amazing! Just like magic!" And it really is.

NUMBER 6.

Harry in Winter - Patrick Doyle

I've sung this with my choir and it's beautiful. Very serene. You see Hogwarts completely covered in snow, owls flying around and you get a sense of calm amongst such a tumultuous year. My favourites vistas are of Hogwarts in the snow, and this part of the score will definitely remain among one of my favourites.

NUMBER 5.

The Quidditch World Cup - Patrick Doyle

Ireland vs Bulgaria. I've sung this with my fellow choir mates, and it is so fun to sing the Lors and Has of the Bulgarian entrance. The Irish jig of the violins and cellos accompanied by the drums as the leprechaun dances, and then HERE COME THE BULGARIANS (you can hear Fred and George shout it). It morphs into drums and chants and the strong chorus of brass ringing out. Just epic. They repeat it for when the Foreign Visitors Arrive at Hogwarts for the Tri-Wizard cup... and let me tell you, it's difficult to work out when you're saying Lor and Ha and where you're saying it. We were just told if you're not sure... don't sing it!!!

NUMBER 4.

Buckbeak's Flight - John Williams

The scary first few seconds of the take-off you can hear in the drums of this track, and then it flourishes to become the amazing experience of flying on a hippogriff. If you listen carefully you can hear Harry's whoops as they cross the Loch in front of Hogwarts. Buckbeak is my favourite magical creature of this series, for sure, and I've been lucky enough to meet him at the Harry Potter Studios. I have a stuffed toy and everything so he couldn't not be in my list really...

NUMBER 3.

Fireworks - Nicholas Hooper

Hands down the best scene of Order of the Phoenix. I've loved the Weasley twins even more each year and I love how they decide school isn't for them and cause a load of havoc as they leave. Best bit was making the dragon firework swallow Umbridge. As I mentioned, I can't stand her in this - best super villains always wear pink - and making a mockery of her this way was the best thing ever. You can hear the playful nature of the Weasley twins and the cracks of the fireworks... I just love it.

NUMBER 2.

Statues - Alexandre Desplat

"I've always wanted to use that spell!" McGonagall's excitement at having woken up the Hogwart's statues is a beautiful ballad as she sends them off to protect the castle. You can hear their uniformed footsteps as they march off into the distance. A pretty epic defence if you ask me... Wish our school had that.

NUMBER 1.

Neville the Hero - Alexandre Desplat

He really is a hero. And it could have been him the whole story was about... if Voldemort hadn't decided to choose Harry. But who killed the snake in the end? Yep, this guy. And who actually defeated Voldemort... Thi- okay fine, Harry. I loved Neville all the way through the books and films. From losing his toad on the train to Hogwarts in Year One to almost getting blown up by Seamus' pyrotechnics in Year Seven... He's come a long way, and I was glad he got his chance to shine and saved the day.

So there we have it. Week number 4 of the top 10s. All Harry Potter. All beautiful. So what will next week's music bring?

Remember the playlist is here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5uvGPB5HsOhdICfOxGVqDZ?si=eQQVjyEAQ92DHmXMKXQ1Wg

Until next time!