Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (soundtrack)

Track listing

All music composed by John Williams.

"Double Trouble"

It was composed by John Williams during the film's production since he felt it to be a warm welcome back to Hogwarts. The song was sung by the London Oratory School Schola, and its lyrics are taken directly from William Shakespeare's Macbeth, in which they are spoken by three witches.

"Forward to Time Past"

The track is heard when Hermione and Harry use the Time-Turner to go back in time. During the whole piece a ticking sound is heard, indicating that time is running out. Loads of flourishing strings overlap the four-note motif that the brass repeats rhythmically, and lastly, the little bursts of woodwind throughout enforce the sensation of movement.

"The Dementors Converge"

This music is heard when Harry is attempting to save Sirius Black from the Dementors. The piece mainly consists of discordant wavering strings at the beginning, but as it progresses, Williams weaves punctuating piccolos and long notes of brass that gradually build up the menacing tension. This rises to a climax where thunderous clusters of timpani and hair-raising choir are introduced only to die back down, followed by an atmospheric flutter from the harp. The strings then lead into another extremity that uses bits and pieces from John Williams's "The Patronus Light", interjected by harsh grating brass. The music appears to die off again instantly; however, the familiar sound of lush strings and celesta (so prominent in John Williams's earlier scores for these films) subdue the tension afore.

"Finale"

This is probably best known for appearing in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire trailer.

Responses and ratings

The album was well received among film music critics. Archie Watt of MovieCues highly praised the score, calling it "One of the best albums of 2004, and well worth a listen by any film music or John Williams fan."