ALEXANDRE DESPLAT

Well, it was Williams himself who set the tone for not reusing themes in Prisoner of Askaban. The only theme re-used (beside Williams' new Qidditch motif heard in the last Hooper score) is "Hedwig's Theme" and that's all I'm sure Desplat will use. However, it would be great to hear more of the underrated "Harry's Wondrous World" or as Ralph pointed out Williams gorgeous "Window to the Past."

-Erik-

while Desplat is a huge improvement over Hooper, I'm sad Williams isn't returning to finish the job he started

They're already too ingrained in the Potter mythos to be suddenly abandoned.

Yup. I've had it for a while now. There are some really cool cues on that cd (L'Hélicoptre) and the uberchilly Theme de Léa, with that fine joyful sound and a breath of French air. Jack Palmer's main theme is a good one!

Gonna play Léa's theme!

Seconded. Although the FSM post stresses that Desplat is only doing Part One at the moment, it's entirely possible they could get another composer (or Williams back) for Part Two.

Great, great news. Considering his style, Williams' "A Window to the Past" would probably resurface in the film too... particularly the soft, restrained nature of the theme.

I said 'mostly ignore', not 'totally ignore'. Obviously Hedwig's theme will be there in some form, but I can't believe they will force any more fidelity to previous themes on Desplat than they did on Doyle and Hooper. He and the director would have to particularly want to do it.

Desplat spoke in interview about his significant respect for Burwell's music (and anyone from a French film background would have considerable respect for Burwell - they love the coens), but how he felt it best to not even listen to Burwell's score in order to give the new film his own instinctive approach. (And I guess the truth behind that is that the new director was allowed to do whatever he wanted except re-cast, and he in all likelihood told Desplat: 'I don't want anything like Burwell's music.' If he'd said anything else, I think Desplat might have paid it a bit more attention.)

I was actually listening to "Window to the Past" yesterday. Frankly, that has similarities to some of Desplat's writing -- quiet, almost restrained opening with a wind instrument before heading into true Williams drama territory. I hope Desplat actually listens to more than just "Hedwig's Theme," since I think Desplat's deconstruction and usage of "Window in the Past" could also really be effective in one scene.

I don't think anyone can do Harry Potter without the themes, so indeed Williams will return a little bit

I always do Matt. But seeing those composers listed above being past over time and time again is what angers me the most.

-Erik-

That is rather unlikely.

Horner was offered it before Williams when the series began but didn't want to do it, so I don't suppose there was ever a chance he'd be interested now.

I'd love to hear a Bruce Broughton score for Potter, or a McNeely one, but that was never really going to happen. Of the realistic candidates, I'm delighted it's Desplat.

And you don't think Broughton could do the same?

-Erik-

Has anyone else considered what else that encouraged David Yates, the producers and Warner Brothers to hire Desplat? Not just because he is a very popular composer now, but maybe because his style is a bit similar to Hooper's? Come on, that's probably attracted Yates to him.

His style is pretty similar to Hooper? That's for us to laugh or you're actually being serious? I'd like examples if you're indeed serious about this as ive never heard anything remotely close to Desplat from Hooper, in all aspects, stylistic and quality-wise.