'Hedwig's Theme' - Harry Potter (Score Reduction & Analysis)

A full score reduction and analysis of "Hedwig's Theme." Enjoy!

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[mdmf]

As a violinist it has always been my dream to play this since I was a little boy. But having seen the score now, this dream has pretty much become my nightmare...

[foojuice]

Wow. Those violin passages are absolutely diabolical

[itznoxy]

This piece is amazingly complex. Even more so than it seems (and it seems really complex). I'm just here like "how did he come up with this?". Even by William's standards its so different and "out there" from what he normally does. This is like its own musical language/syntax that I have never seen anywhere else. Almost like its own genre entirely. The Philosopher's Stone should have easily won the oscar for best score.

[wraith]

How did this not win an Oscar? This is outrageous.

[merlinhlr]

imagine John Williams having written the music for The Deathly Hallows.

man. we missed such a pay-off.

[mattkirkhamm]

As a “normal” listener you get swept away with the gorgeous melodies. It some how makes you feel a sense of adventure, a sense of flying without wings, a sense of mystery.

Then as a musician you realise just how amazing John Williams is. He writes music that is so dense, intricate, complex yet at the same time easy to listen to. Each few bars is something new, something interesting, something genius.

[jimd]

The word “GENIUS” is often overused. But in the case of John Williams music, it isn’t used enough.

[darklord]

The poor piccolo and flutes... and violins. Y’all are monsters.

[zoltan]

I'm amazed you were able to analyse this piece in one video. Hedwig's Theme is possibly the most texturally complex I've ever seen of John Williams' writing. I own the Hal Leonard Signature Edition score of the piece, and refer to it regularly when listening to the piece. I think the 'bridge theme' is my favourite motive. Simple, yet so animated.

[Raachen]

Without this music, the Harry Potter movies would've probably never caught my attention. It's the soundscape that pulls you into this world and creates a true magical experience. Simply one of the best scores ever written...

[nicksipich]

Truly, truly, TRULY one of the best pieces of music ever composed.

[minemilx]

Damn. I don't even have the guts to write music that technically advanced.

[DuhAverageJoe]

Those string passages are insane. Kinda reminds me a little of "Holiday Flight" from Home Alone.

[madisonw]

If my conductor ever gave me this piece I don't know if I would quit on the spot, or practice 40 hours a day. Iykyk

[kaan_bey]

Me: John, which notes did you use in Hedwig's Theme?
John Williams: Yes.

[adam]

This piece is mad. The way the Maestro darts in and out of different keys and time signatures is mind-boggling.

[keithfoester]

liszt: i buy this piano so imma write songs using all 88 keys!!!

john williams: hold my oscars.

[PianoGeek]

Congratulations! This is one of the most thoroughly analyzed score reductions I've seen you do! Thanks for this!

[TommyLellan]

I love that the 4:48 manic flutes and harps is mentioned in a tiny scribe. It DOES sound magical.

[Jay-S]

Some day, I swear I’ll be able to play those arpeggios and runs on my violin