Hedwig's Theme is a leitmotif composed by John Williams for the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. While not exclusively written for the character, it is better known for being the main theme of every Harry Potter film and is iconic for the wizarding world in general.[1]
History[]
Hedwig's Theme was not a stand-alone track to begin with. It was featured as a tune in the track "Prologue" for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, before being played in the end credits. The theme was very well received and was interpolated in every Harry Potter film score by subsequent composers, such as Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper, and Alexandre Desplat. It is also featured in the score to the last four Harry Potter video games composed by James Hannigan.
Hedwig's Theme has achieved significant pop culture status, featuring in ring tones, trailer music and other forms of multimedia. Most recently, it featured over the title of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film), which indicates that it will stay the main theme of J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World.
Behind the scenes[]
Listen to a sample of "Hedwig's Theme"
- In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Hagrid can be heard playing the theme on his flute just before Harry, Ron, and Hermione question him about how he got Norbert's egg.
- In the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the large bells at the top of the Clock Tower chime a few lines of the theme when Harry charms the small ones.
- In the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Luna Lovegood can be heard humming the tune for a few seconds near the beginning of the game as Harry walks with her up the path to the Sundial Garden.
- In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4, Ron Weasley plays this on a trumpet (though badly) to put Fluffy to sleep.
- Also in the game, when Griphook opens Vault 712, goblins are discoing to a remix of the song.
- In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the original Hedwig's Theme, by John Williams, is playing during the scene in which the Hogwarts Express is taking Harry and his friends to Hogwarts.
- In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows trailers, it plays a more powerful version of Hedwig´s Theme, which is a lot darker and mysterious.
- It is used in the beginning of the end credits of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
- This song resembles the Gilderoy Lockhart theme, which is in C# minor.
Notes and references[]
See also[]
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