The Soundtrack Space: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Nicholas Hooper’s most famous work to date has been the composition of two soundtracks for Harry Potter films: The Order of the Phoenix and The Half-Blood Prince. I have chosen to focus on his work for The Half Blood Prince as it is one of my favourite films in the Harry Potter franchise, and because this score marks a tonal shift from previous scores. It is much darker and more subtle.

The Half-Blood Prince opens on a melancholic tone, following the death of Sirius and concrete evidence of Voldemort’s return. ‘Opening’ begins with a low string melody, punctuated with choral sounds. Then, the track transitions into a threatening piece, with dramatic drums and a rising-and-falling string rhythm that comes to represent intrusions of the Death Eaters throughout the film. They attack the Millenium Bridge in London in a demonstration of wizarding power over Muggles.

‘Wizard Wheezes’ sticks out tonally, which mirrors how Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes juxtaposes the various closed fronts and dark arts shops in Diagon Alley

This ominous tone continues in ‘Snape and the Unbreakable Vow’ as we see Snape and Narcissa make the Unbreakable Vow in front of Bellatrix. This establishes Snape’s role within this film, as it appears he is helping Malfoy with Voldemort’s mission. The piece is sinister, with tumbling strings providing an unsettling background to the scene.

‘Wizard Wheezes’ is radically distinct from other pieces. It is fun, upbeat, and rather chaotic, which seems a suitable representation of the Weasley Twins. This track sticks out tonally, which mirrors how Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes juxtaposes the various closed fronts and dark arts shops in Diagon Alley. It is a loud piece, with notable jazz influences through its strong brass section.

Speaking of Weasleys, Ron features heavily throughout the plot of The Half-Blood Prince, whether through his romantic entanglements with Lavender and Hermione, or his trials on the Quidditch pitch. ‘Ron’s Victory’ soundtracks the moment where Ron plays a triumphant game of Quidditch due to what he supposes was Harry’s dose of Felix Felicis (‘liquid luck’). The piece opens with the subtle melody used for scenes involving Slughorn and potions, echoing the assumed use of Felix Felicis. This transitions into a grand, loud melody, employing booming brass and drums. The rapid string rhythm conveys the motion of flight and the urgency of this Quidditch match.

In The Half-Blood Prince, Harry gets drawn into dangerous trials to find and destroy horcruxes (parts of Voldemort’s soul). He and Dumbledore journey to a cave in search of a locket, which is at the bottom of a bowl of liquid that Dumbledore must consume. It is a harrowing scene, soundtracked by Hooper in the piece titled ‘The Drink of Despair’. Unsettling high-pitched strings clash with horrible sounds, like the sounds of people suffering. This is supported by a mournful violin melody, the hopelessness of the piece mirroring that of the scene.

‘Dumbledore’s Farewell’ echoes the melody first introduced in ‘Opening’, connecting the deaths of Sirius and Dumbledore in their impact on Harry’s life

The Half-Blood Prince increases the stakes for the wizarding world with the death of Dumbledore, Harry’s role model and mentor throughout the franchise. Dumbledore’s death is hugely significant, as it marks the defeat of the person Voldemort feared most, thus removing this obstacle to his domination. The death occurred within Hogwarts’s grounds, supposedly one of the safest places – the danger of the Death Eaters is made a reality. This emotional moment is scored by Hooper in ‘Dumbledore’s Farewell’. It echoes the melody first introduced in ‘Opening’, connecting the deaths of Sirius and Dumbledore in their impact on Harry’s life. The string melody is utterly melancholic and beautiful, rising to a layered, dramatic swell of sound.

Despite this sadness, The Half-Blood Prince ends on a somewhat hopeful note as the trio look down on the Hogwarts grounds, reflecting on not coming back next year. It is not a despondent moment, but one of resolve as they know what they must do next. The string melody has a positive sound, ending on a high, hopeful note.

Hooper’s soundtrack for The Half Blood Prince works wonderfully to convey this new feeling of dread within Harry’s world, as it feels as if all hope is lost. This is punctuated by tracks that feel joyous or humorous, reflecting how these moments can break through the melancholy. Although The Half-Blood Prince is, for the most part, dark, it has its fair share of high school drama and fun, the combination of which makes it one of my favourites of the Harry Potter franchise.