Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 raked in 1.342 billion dollars when it first came out, making it the highest grossing film of 2011 and in the whole Harry Potter series. Having watched the movies several times, that one is my favorite. I cried when I first saw it and something that really moved me to tears was the music. The music carries the story along and feeds off of the tension. This soundtrack, composed by Alexandre Desplat, is an amazing album filled with different kinds of music all types of people can appreciate.
I believe that the soundtrack as a whole, is enjoyable to listen to. This movie's music is a little different than the usual Harry Potter tunes. The other soundtracks have more piano and playful melodies. However, this one conveys a more dismal mood. Instead of “Hedwig's Theme” there is a new anthem for Potterheads and “Statues.” It is a calm piece in contrast to the bloody battle that ensues in the movie. Personally, it is my favorite track on the entire album. “Lily's Theme” and “The Grey Lady” are softer and smoother pieces as opposed to “Battlefield” and “Dragon Flight.” This is because their scenes are about memories and death while the others build suspense and a sense of danger. Harry, Ron, and Hermione risk their lives in scenes that "Battlefield"accompanies so of course it sounds different than "The Grey Lady" which is about an infuriated ghost.“Broomsticks and Fire” is the song most similar to the traditional Harry Potter soundtracks. The album is diverse but somehow all of the songs work together in harmony to narrate the story, musically.
The album is full of different instruments that all work together to create the finished product. You can also hear voices humming together in “Lily's Theme,” when Snape shares memories and “The Resurrection Stone” when Harry sees all his dead family and friends. The music beautifully accompanies the tear jerking scenes occurring and enhances the movie. Certain songs that really fit the plot of the movie are “Voldemort’s End,” which shows the absolute final battle using suspenseful strings and percussion to add excitement, “Neville the Hero," where Neville finally reveals what he is capable of with uplifting trumpets to help, and “Procession,” when they return to Hogwarts after everything is over. These songs depict the depressing and triumphant moods of the movie. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is filled with ups and downs and the music really encompasses that. The classical tracks use string instruments like violins and wind instruments such as trumpets to bring the story to life.
The soundtrack was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack from Visual Media. The award winning composer, Alexandre Desplat, also composed soundtracks such as Argo (2012) and The King’s Speech (2010). These soundtracks are just more examples of Desplat's astounding work as a conductor and composer. The music gives you this sensation that makes you feel so many emotions like sorrow and at the same time, satisfaction. Somehow, Desplat finds a way to seamlessly put Harry's story to music. It shows everything he has been through: endless fighting and painful memories.
There's no doubt about it that this soundtrack is a perfect match to the movie, but even by itself, it is a great album. I absolutely love how by just listening to it, you are taken on a journey. You are no longer sitting in your living room but you're in Hogwarts. You can feel the warmth of the fire in the common room and fear the battle between good and evil. The intense, passionate music will make you feel the presence of the dark lord and anticipate his defeat.