Hedwig's Theme (John Williams)

Question 1

Describe the instrumentation. Make five points.

Answer 1

Solo celeste at the beginning. Bell like sounds reflect magical spells and wizards

Anachronistic strings to reinforce rich harmonies and large melodies. Big contrast to the introduction

Oboe plays three stabbing notes off the beat during the scales. Reflects Hedwig the owl

Harp before the repeat of horns’ solo plays a rapid ascending scale. Dreamy and suits the fantasy world

Lower strings play glissandos on beats one and two of the trumpet’s section. Regarded as enigmatic

Question 2

Describe the harmony/ tonality. Make two points.

Answer 2

Strange chord just before the repeat of the celeste’s solo. Magical and mysterious effect, connotes sorcerers

Key change from E to A minor when the trumpets enter in the B section. Builds the suspense and the tension

Question 3

Describe the texture. Make four points.

Answer 3

Homophonic texture in the solo celeste with an E bass note keeping melody in stasis. Builds the drama

Polyphonic between the horns repeating the celeste’s solo and the upper strings. Driving dramatically forward

Monophonic in the B section to build the suspense and the magical atmosphere of Harry Potter’s world

Returns to polyphonic when the full orchestra plays the B section motif. Regarded as magical and exciting

Question 4

Describe the rhythm/ tempo. Make four points.

Answer 4

Dotted in compound triple time with emphasis on first beat, which is regarded as mysterious

Rapid ascending scales played by upper strings and celeste monophonically. Relentless and adventurous

Metric change in the B section from compound triple to simple quadruple time. Exciting, as it unsettles the pace

B section motif played by full orchestra kept in stasis because of lower strings’ drone note. Develops the tension