Hedwig's Theme in the first two Harry Potter films

Hedwig's theme, written by John Williams, is introduced in the first film of the Harry Potter series. The theme is the first thing heard at the very beginning of the movie, right as the Warner Brothers logo appears on the screen. From the start, this theme is a powerful and important musical element of the films. As we will see, the theme transforms as the characters grow up, though the first movie presents Hedwig's theme at its most innocent and representing magic.

Before discussing how the theme is used, some characteristics of Hedwig's theme include: e minor tonality, in a 6/8 or waltz feel. The chord progression are not necessarily typical for the e minor key, although the phrases create a parallel period, meaning the first line ends on the dominant, with the second phrase ending on the tonic.
One peculiar moment is measure 7, where the F# note from the previous measure becomes an F natural:

The shifting nature of the melody evokes a sense of mystery and magic, and the instrumentation helps emphasize this mood. The theme opens with the celeste, a unique sound with an ethereal, bell-like quality. The celeste introduces the theme, with the tonic being played in a sort of accompaniment pattern. After the full theme phrase is introduced, more instruments enter to further instill that magical texture: bells, harp, and then a flurry of strings. Flutes and woodwinds repeat the theme, with a quick contrapuntal line being played by the strings and harp. John Williams repeats the theme in variation, before moving to a different theme to provide contrast and to continue telling the story.

The second part of the theme:

In analyzing the theme, the use of minor chords, as well as diminished thirds and tritones, provide a mysterious sound that moves beyond just a minor tonality:

In the first film, the theme seems to be paired with every instance of magic. As this film introduces the characters and sets up the world of muggles, wizards and other fantastic creatures and animated life, Hedwig's theme is used as a signal of magic. The theme is played at the beginning of the opening title scene, and then again as Harry Potter is placed on the doorstep in the muggle world. It continues to play during each instance of magic, kind of as a precursor to Hogwarts where Harry will be enveloped in this alternate world. The first major instance that Hedwig's theme plays is when his letter to Hogwarts arrives. The theme is broken throughout the scene, played first horns and strings, and then continuing with trombones. When all of the letters are pouring through the house and the owls are gathering, the theme is fully orchestrated and played in a powerful texture, further illustrating what is happening on screen. It is like the magic cannot be held back any longer, and the now familiar theme cements its meaning as a magical force that cannot be stopped.

The theme continues to play during other ethereal moments, as when Hargrid gives Dudley a pigtail in the lighthouse, when Harry finally receives and reads his Hogwarts letter, when Harry enters Diagon alley, when he takes the train and boat to Hogwarts, and other instances of transformation or unbelievable circumstances. At times, the theme is only played in a truncated version, though often just the first phrase or two is used. The way that the theme is orchestrated also gives meaning to the action on screen. Most of the time, the theme plays in the celesta, or with other bells and strings. However, it seems that in other powerful occasions, the theme is played in horns or with the full orchestra. 

Regardless, each time in the first film when Hedwig's theme is played, it emphasizes Harry's wondrous world of magic and pairs an association in the viewer's mind that will later be used and altered.

posted by Kramer