The magic of the prologue by John Williams

John Williams, the maestro of musical magic, transports us into the fantastic world of Harry Potter. His music brilliantly evokes complex emotions in the prologue to the first film, creating a captivating sensory experience from the very first notes.

By Hugo COLLIN
Published on 18 October 2023

The spell

With all his music, John Williams succeeds in transporting the audience into a fantastic world. He manages to evoke different emotions. This is indeed the case in the first volume of the Harry Potter saga, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". His music, "The Prologue", plays an important role right from the start.

Symphonic magic

At the start of the film, this music draws us into the magical world of Harry Potter. Bewitching, mystical melodies evoke both the excitement of the adventure to come and the mystery surrounding the magical world. Strings and brass create an enchanting atmosphere, while a choir adds solemnity. The musical prologue serves as an introduction to the story, introducing us to the Dursley family, who lead an ordinary and unsurprising life. However, when Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall appear at Privet Drive, the music takes a turn. The distinctive musical themes associated with these characters help to establish their importance and uniqueness.

The destiny

When Harry is left on the Dursley doorstep, the music is both melancholy and hopeful. It evokes Harry's loneliness and uncertain fate, but also his extraordinary potential. The combination of these complex emotions in the music reflects the story of Harry himself, an ordinary boy destined to become an extraordinary wizard.

Glare

The music in the prologue doesn't just accompany the story, it reinforces it. It underlines the moments of wonder, discovery, and magic throughout the film. When Harry boards the Hogwarts Express for the first time and catches sight of Hogwarts Castle, the music bursts into life, creating a truly sensory experience for the audience.

The enchantment

John Williams has captured the essence of Harry Potter in his music. His memorable themes are inseparable from those of J.K. Rowling, who continues to inspire and amaze fans the world over. The music of the prologue to the first film is a magical introduction to an extraordinary journey, an invitation to immerse oneself in a world where the music itself plays an important role in the story. It embodies magic and imagination, transporting listeners into a world where anything is possible.