Show Notes
In this first part of a two-part episode, we look at the variety of ways that John Williams creates the musical world of Harry Potter. From school songs to Quidditch, from dragons to goblins, from ghosts to moving staircases, John Williams combines the rich late-romantic orchestral sound with the slightly odd notes resembling 20th century composers such as Stravinsky and Prokofiev to create a world that seems both familiar and different. He also expands in the second and third film from celeste and choir to adding instruments from the Baroque and Renaissance, combining new sounds with old. This episode focuses solely on the first three movies composed by John Williams. Host: Ruth Mudge Music included in podcast: "The Arrival of Baby Harry" - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams, 2001 "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" - The Sorcerer's Apprentice, performed by the Berlin Philharmonic & James Levine, music by Paul Dukas, 1987 "Diagon Alley/The Gringotts Vault" - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams, 2001 "Act 1, Scene III, The Street Awakens" - Romeo & Juliet, Op. 64, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra & Valery Gergiev, music by Sergei Prokofiev, 2010 "Platform Nine-and-three-quarters/The Journey to Hogwarts" - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams, 2001 "Hogwarts Forever!/The Moving Stairs" - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams, 2001 "Entry into the Great Hall/The Banquet" - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams, 2001 "The Quidditch Match" - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams, 2001 "Christmas at Hogwarts" - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams, 2001 "Olympic Fanfare and Theme" - Celebrating John Williams (Live at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles 2019), performed by Los Angeles Philharmonic & Gustavo Dudamel, music by John Williams, 2019 "The Norwegian Ridgeback/A Change of Seasons" - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams, 2001 "Fawkes is Reborn" - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams & William Ross, 2002 "Dueling the Basilisk" - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams & William Ross, 2002 "Meeting Aragog" - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams & William Ross, 2002 "Moaning Myrtle" - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams & William Ross, 2002 "Knockturn Alley" - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Williams & William Ross, 2002 "Pavana la Bataglia (Crumhorns & Ensemble)" - Dictionary of Medieval & Renaissance Instruments, performed by Christian Mendoza & Orchestra Antiqua Musica, music by Anonymous, 2002 "Double Trouble" - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, music by John Williams, 2004 "Secrets of the Castle" - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, music by John Williams, 2004 "The Portrait Gallery" - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, music by John Williams, 2004 "Quidditch, Third Year" - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, music by John Williams, 2004 "Apparition on the Train" - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, music by John Williams, 2004 "The Patronus Light" - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Original Motion Pictur
More from World of Soundtracks
The Other Bennet Sister has taken the Austen world by storm this year through a charming story focusing on Mary Bennet. This episode is focusing on the music by composer Anne Chmelewsky, particularly the main theme that tells Mary's story throughout as she grows from feeling like the odd sister out to a young woman who finds love as well as purpose in teaching and writing. This main theme is heard in a variety of ways containing two different parts and also including motifs and a rhythmic theme that shares different aspects of Mary's journey. Add to that the viola which is an under appreciated string instrument for the under appreciated sister and you have a delightful score to enjoy. Host: Ruth Mudge, ruthmudge.com Music included on the podcast: "Full Glasses" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "Pride and Prejudice" - Pride and Prejudice (Original BBC Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Carl Davis, 1996 "Another Plan" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "The Other Bennet Sister" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "First Venture Into Society" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "Preparation for the Assembly" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "Do Not Be Frightened" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "A Very Good Job" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "Reading Poetry" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "A Truly Great Governess" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "A Little Drizzle" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "You Will Flourish" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "Escaping Pemberley" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "Onward We Go" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "Mary Takes Charge" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "By the Fountain" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "Epilogue" - The Other Bennet Sister (Original Series Soundtrack), music by Anne Chmelewsky, 2026 Bad Wolf Ltd., under exclusive license to Madison Gate Records, Inc. "Part of Your World" - The Little Mermaid (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Special Edition), music by Alan Menken, words by Howard Ashman, sung by Judi Benson, 2006 Walt Disney Records "Vanessa's Trick" - The Little Mermaid (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Deluxe Edition), music by Alan Menken,
In this episode, we look at Thomas Newman's score of "Little Women" from 1994. Nostalgia is the sound of this score, using modes and combining minor in happy moments while using high instrumentation and fun rhythmic energy to give joy in minor. We take apart how the main theme is used for Jo and her writing as well as looking at many beloved melodies and how they are used in this adaptation to convey the story of young women growing up together both in the joys and sorrows. Host: Ruth Mudge, ruthmudge.com Music included on this podcast: "So was Red" - The Shawshank Redemption, music by Thomas Newman, 1994 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Under the Umbrella (End Title)" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Orchard House (Main Title)" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "New York" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Valley of the Shadow" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Little Women" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. Lovelornity" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "The Lawrence Boy" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Meg's Hair" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Snowplay" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Two Couples" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Spring" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Harvest Time" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Amy Abroad" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Scarlet Fever" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Burdens" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Beth's Secret" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Letter from Jo" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc. "Domestic Experiences" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
In this final episode for How to Train Your Dragon, Ruth focuses on the romantic themes throughout the trilogy written by composer John Powell. From Astrid and Hiccup to Hiccup's parents to Toothless and the Lightfury, each movie has a unique take on romance that often coincides with flying. We look at how the journey progresses from crushes to epic to quiet and vulnerable. We also look at the similarities of romantic music and flying and the unique opportunities of having both of them occur at the same time. Host: Ruth Mudge https://www.ruthmudge.com/worldofsoundtracks Music by John Powell "A Romantic Flight" - How to Train Your Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Powell, 2025 Back Lot Music, a Division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "This is Berk" - How to Train Your Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C, under Exclusive License to Varese Sarabande, A Division of Concord. "Romantic Flight" - How to Train Your Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C, under Exclusive License to Varese Sarabande, A Division of Concord. "The Flying Sequence" - Superman: The Movie (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture), music by John Williams & London Symphony Orchestra, 2005 Warner Strategic Marketing "The Cove" - How to Train Your Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C, under Exclusive License to Varese Sarabande, A Division of Concord. "Coming Back Around" - How to Train Your Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C, under Exclusive License to Varese Sarabande, A Division of Concord. "Dragon Racing" - How To Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, A Division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Hiccup the Chief/Drago's Coming" - How To Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, A Division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Me Likey" - How To Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2022 Back Lot Music, A Division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "I grew Facial Hair for You" - How To Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2022 Back Lot Music, A Division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Battle of the Bewilderbeast" - How To Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, A Division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Two New Alphas" - How To Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, A Division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Legend has it/Cliffside Playtime" - How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Powell, 2019 Back Lot Music "Armada Battle" - How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Powell, 2019 Back Lot Music "For the Dancing and the Dreaming" - How To Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, sung by Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson & Mary Jane Wells, 2014 Back Lot Music, A Division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Hiccup Confronts Drago" - How To Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, A Division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Stoick's Ship" - How To Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, A Division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Toothless: Smitten" - How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Powell, 2019 Back Lot Music "Exodus!" - How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music by John Powell, 2019 Back Lot Music "Third Date" - How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Origi
In this episode, Ruth talks to Canadian composer Mikel Hurwitz about the inspirations and beginning of his career as well as his newest projects, including the Documentary "Soul of the Nation" found on Apple as well as Hallmark movies and "Elements", a personal project combining orchestra and electronics. In the past year, Mikel Hurwitz has written for and conducted the Hollywood Film Orchestra at Warner Brothers and the Costa Rican National Philharmonic with the Los Angeles Film Conductors Intensive, scored the feature documentary Soul of a Nation, and seen his music grace over 40 feature films on six continents. But his journey as a composer began long before these recent milestones. Born the same month that the iconic Juno-60 Synthesizer was released, Mikel first appeared in the Toronto Star at age two, playing drums in a toddler music class. From those early days at the Royal Conservatory piano bench to improvising on guitar as a teenager, Mikel’s musical path has always been eclectic. At 15, he attended his first film scoring session and never looked back. After studies that took him from Vancouver to Oaxaca and eventually to the Berklee College of Music Film Scoring program, Mikel honed his craft in Los Angeles as Danny Elfman’s synth programmer and assistant while working on films like The Grinch, Dumbo, and Justice League. After contributing to music teams for major films he fully launched his own composing career, scoring award-winning documentaries and series like the Gentefied digital series, which was picked up by Netflix at the Sundance Film Festival. Now based in Toronto with his wife, pianist Irina Bazik, and their two children, Mikel continues to blend orchestral and electronic worlds, bringing a unique voice to the global film music stage. Guest: Mikel Hurwitz https://mikelhurwitz.com Host: Ruth Mudge https://www.ruthmudge.com/worldofsoundtracks "War > Manipulated Into Intolerance?" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Shining Bright" - Ron Taylor: Dr. Baseball (Original Soundtrack Album, music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2016 Cinemastasia "All Sides" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Fall Apart" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Diaspora" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Disengage" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Child Soldiers" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Resilience > Eruption" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC "Baseless Hatred" - Soul of a Nation (Original Soundtrack), music by Mikel Hurwitz, 2025 Cinemastasia Music LLC World of Soundtracks - music by Edith Mudge, graphics by Lindsey Bergsma
Anybody who has heard the soundtrack for How To Train Your Dragon will admit that it just a lot of fun to listen to. Part of that lies in the Celtic nature of the music both instrument wise as well as the imitation of the melodies and rhythmic structure. This episode focuses on the sounds and music of Berk that helps to set the world as a Viking clan - both the fun and adventurous side as well as the warrior side. At times, it also reflects the various leaders such as Hiccup, Stoick, Astrid who embody the good and the bad at times but overall have a fierce love of their people and eventually the dragons that they protect. This also includes "The Village Hymn" from the third movie which is a newer theme for Berk and its leaders, covering a range of emotions especially for Hiccup and Astrid's relationship as the leaders of Berk. Host: Ruth Mudge https://www.ruthmudge.com/worldofsoundtracks Music by John Powell "This is Berk" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Anybody See That?" - How to Train Your Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack/Deluxe Edition), music by John Powell, 2020 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande Records, LLC, a Concord Company. "New Tail" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "See You Tomorrow" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "This Time for Sure" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Astrid Goes for a Spin" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "War Room" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "The Downed Dragon" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Dragon Training" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Focus, Hiccup!" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Not a Viking" - How to Train Your Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack/Deluxe Edition), music by John Powell, 2020 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande Records, LLC, a Concord Company. "Ready the Ships" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Battling the Green Death" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Counter Attack" - How to Train Your Dragon (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2010 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C., under exclusive license to Varese Sarabande, a division of Concord "Dragon Racing" - How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Music from the Motion Picture), music by John Powell, 2014 Back Lot Music, a division of Universal Studios Music LLLP "Hiccup the Chief/Drago's Coming" - Ho