Evening Hour

I’ll have my review of the film soon enough, but I thought I’d jot down my thoughts on the score now while my enthusiasm’s still this amazingly high. Once again, British composer Nicholas Hooper takes up the mantle of composing the Harry Potter films for director David Yates. I thoroughly enjoyed his interpretation of The Order of the Phoenix—really, just glad to be shot of John Williams for once—and I fully anticipated the same magical and uncoventional tone that embodied the last score. I am probably one of the few who’s absolutely adored what Hooper’s contributed to the series. Yeah, maybe I’m a nutcase. But I admire how he takes advantage of what’s at his disposal—he creates unusual musical arrangements but somehow he makes them work. He takes calculated, creative risks and I think for the most part they’re incredibly successful. It’s wonderful, really, and I couldn’t be more pleased with what he’s done in Half-Blood Prince. If only the film had highlighted this wondrous music better. Apparently Hooper may be stepping down for the Deathly Hallows films, making way for John Williams’ return. Personally am not warming to this piece of news (just yet).

1. Opening (2:54)
   A shadowy, ominous opener, with traces of Williams’ Hedwig’s Theme, followed by sombre strings and choir chants. This is Hooper’s strength in reconstructing the Harry Potter theme into something new. Sadly this is the only song that does justice to the theme. The mournful number ends abruptly to segue into heavy percussion and meandering strings, signifying the approach of the Death Eaters and the destruction and devastation they bring with them. The drum notes are a different approach to the dark side than in OOTP, but effective all the same.
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2. In Noctem (2:01)
   One of the highlights of the score. A melancholy, haunting requiem for all that’s been lost through tragedy, but of course, this is Dumbledore’s song through and through. I’ve been trying to track down the lyrics and the best I’ve found is here. Shame this was never used in the film—it’d potentially be the strongest element in the film in terms of marrying the narrative with the audience’s emotional journey.
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3. The Story Begins (2:05)
   I think this is a sister song to Journey to Hogwarts (OOTP). A curious but wary opener, followed by more optimistic, exhilirating tones. The piano at the end is cheeky!
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4. Ginny (1:31)
   The harp plays a huge role in defining Ginny—it’s perfect. It’s a soothing, gentle instrument, and I’ve never underestimated the eery similarities between Ginny and Lily Potter. We’ll hear more of this harp later on. What I don’t get is why Hedwig’s Theme was thrown so clumsily into this; it definitely doesn’t fit.
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5. Snape & The Unbreakable Vow (2:51)
   A pivotal moment in the film, for it gives us a chance to see what the enemy’s up to. For the most part this song is forboding and scintillating.
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6. Wizard Wheezes (1:43)
   I absolutely love what Hooper’s done with the Weasley twins theme/s. In the exuberant spirit of Fireworks (OOTP), this is an all-out flamboyant jazz/swing number, theatric and deliciously playful, such that Fred and George would mightily approve, methinks. Alas, the fun ends far too soon.
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7. Dumbledore’s Speech (1:32)
   Whispers of In Noctem is breathed into this song, a prophetic foreshadow of what’s to come.
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8. Living Death (1:55)
   Borrowing elements from The Room of Requirement (OOTP) but evolved into something far more cheerful and lively. Quite ironic given the title.
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9. Into the Pensieve (1:46)
   Like being cast behind the darkest curtain, only to have it open to reveal an out-of-this-world realm, traces of inaudible voices and cries teasing at the cusp of your reality. It’s riveting.
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10. The Book (1:45)
    Not quite the frightening ode I’d imagined!
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11. Ron’s Victory (1:45)
    And so Won-Won should have his moment in the spotlight! Quidditch demands speedy, meandering melodies, and a full percussion and brass arsenal gone batshit crazy.  I wouldn’t have it any other way!
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12. Harry & Hermione (2:53)
    This is a gorgeous song for young, broken hearts. The harp makes another appearance in subdued, lulling tones, but it serves Hermione’s loss far more than Harry’s (Ginny who?). It’s a touching moment in the film, and handled quite nicely in the essence of what the book describes.
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13. School! (1:05)
    A mellow ode to life at Hogwarts, playful and youthful, but always with dark, sinister undertones lurking in the distance.
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14. Malfoy’s Mission (2:45)
    Draco, the poor bugger’s got himself tangled up in some nasty business. And his unease with his new role is beautifully portrayed by the piano and strings. The Death Eaters’ theme crashes in quite haphazardly to good effect, of course.
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15. The Slug Party (2:11)
    I call this a cross between bossa nova, Pink Panther and Austin Powers. I’d never have imagined such sounds to land in a Potter score, but it’s absolutely brilliant. Slughorn’s parties are exclusive—a five star do, sophisticated and sooo fashionable—and all about socialising with the elite. And even in amongst all the decadent facade, there is a touch of the ominous, the cheek of Hooper, the ol’ devil! Love it!
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16. Into The Rushes (2:33)
    Ah, here come the Death Eaters! The percussion is well arranged here, and those scintilating strings are frightfully sharp building up to a deafening crescendo, then hide into slithering shadows, with the percussion rising up again.
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17. Farewell Aragog (2:08)
    Poor Acromantula gets a Celtic hymn for his farewell. Think grey clouds and mountains, and the carcus of that great giant of a spider. A frightening creature like Aragog only deserves the best, after all.
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18. Dumbledore’s Foreboding (1:19)
    Choir sings its prophetic melodies in the distance, accompanied by meandering strings.
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19. Of Love & War (1:18)
    Can’t you just feel the wind as you soar higher into the skies? God, I love Quidditch.
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20. When Ginny Kissed Harry (2:38)
    Don’t get me wrong, I quite detest the Harry/Ginny relationship, but what Yates and Hooper here has done is simply magical. As the title suggests Ginny takes the initiative in guiding Harry, and he allows himself to be guided by her. It’s a gorgeous balm to the spirit, that gives real emotional depth to an actual relationship that is considerably lacklustre. I could listen to this again and again.
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21. Slughorn’s Confession (3:33)
    After trying all possible methods, Harry manages to coerce Slughorn into revealing his memory, but it’s a moment tinged with sadness and regret. The only time in the score when woodwinds are played so emphatically and beautifully.
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22. Journey to the Cave (3:08)
    Harry and Dumbledore have come a long way, and the epic scope of what they’re about to uncover is unleashed here. Wow!
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23. The Drink of Despair (2:45)
    The pain and anguish of drinking the liquid from the pedestal (geez, I don’t even remember what this is called) takes its toll on both Dumbledore and Harry. Some effective synths of disjointed voices lead into a mournful hymn.
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24. Inferi in the Firestorm (1:53)
    A full out assault of strings frantically rush on, spilling into an almighty crescendo. It’s riveting, frightening stuff.
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25. The Killing of Dumbledore (3:35)
    I suppose “Murder” would be too much, and “Dumbledore Dies” would be too sensational. An understated arrangement of the strings, gentle elegy for the fallen Headmaster concluding with more forceful punctures.
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26. Dumbledore’s Farewell (2:22)
    A more formal requiem, led by a single string building up into a harmony of anguish and sorrow. Another highlight.
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27. The Friends (2:01)
    In spite of all that stuff of death and despair, here’s something a little sombre but more optimistic, much in the tone of Loved Ones & Leaving (OOTP).
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28. The Weasley Stomp (2:09)
    What a shame this makes no appearance at all in the film (although I might be mistaken, might it have been included in the credits?), but perhaps it’s a little too happy for the tone of HBP, but damn if it isn’t one addictive song! There’s a touch of Irish folk and the contagious, invigorating, lively sounds of a Quidditch anthem. Let’s do the Weasley Stomp!
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