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John Williams was clearly aware of Warner Brothers' predicted SEVEN film series: this is film two... things have moved on. As with Jurassic Park III, Williams has relinquished ultimate power over the music - in this case, William Ross has taken up the baton and also slightly adapted the music. However, with a new film, new music is required: Fawkes the Phoenix, the Chamber itself, Spiders, The Flying Car, Colin Creevey... John Williams wrote these new pieces himself.
A careful ear will be able to tell that the music, which is being reiterated from the first film, has matured and has often taken on a new 'edge'. This is for three reasons: Harry has matured, he has new dangers to face, and the music is being conducted by someone else. It adds up.
Particular mention should go to five musical ideas: the theme for Fawkes the Phoenix - this piece begins thin and slightly discordant, but develops into a rich, uplifting piece incorporating Williams' favourite tonic/supertonic key superimposion, as occurs in the main Hogwarts theme.
The Flying Car - even if you didn't know what the title was, the style implied has the images of flying sewn throughout - I get the feeling he's avoiding ET completely here (Fluffy's Harp in PS was VERY similar to some of the opening phrases of ET - although, it is his music!!).
The Spiders are light but creepy - the music differs between the small spiders and Aragog - of course!
Voldemort's theme is noticeable when he is either referred to or implied - certainly Tom Riddle's music has many Voldemort chord sequences.
Finally, the final, ending theme - this time called Reunion of Friends - has a new cheerful beginning - leading into last year's end theme - but then in a cunning twist, the ending is improved - and extended. Quite frankly, the music is the best bit about the ending... how soppy is the ending in the film!!!
You have to buy this CD - not just if you'd to compare it to the first musically, but it has its own charm - you're definitely not buying the first CD for the second time. But if you didn't enjoy the first, it's unlikely you'll enjoy this one - you mad people.
Ben Tavener
What was a real surprise was the compilation of new themes on the album. When watching the film it is not surprising that many of the characters are represented by themes designed in the first film so naturally one expects this album to be much the same as the first but no! New treatment of old ideas like Voldemort's 3-note motif is much heavier and colourfully scored as Tom Riddle on this album.New characters get new tunes such as the delightfully pathetic Gilderoy Lockheart.
My favourite bit is the final sequence 'Reunion of friends'which appears in both movies (extended in this picture as Hagrid returns as hero) - Brilliantly emotive scoring and fabulous playing from trumpeters Rod Franks and Maurice Murphy (remember that top Bb at the start of Star Wars?) - Mr Williams the genius!!
If you only buy one orchestral recording this year make sure you buy this one!!!
The one thing I would say is that, compared with Howard Shore's FOTR soundtrack, this still comes in second best. I don't, though, think it is particularly worthwhile to compare the two as they both have different aims and different audiences. Therefore I think that if you liked the PS soundtrack, or if you weren't sure, then it would be worthwhile buying the COS soundtrack. If you hated the first film's music, then you will almost definitely hate this too.
with my old one, but was dissapointed when it arrived to find the case badly... Read more
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