Cue No. 15

A classic statement of Nimbus 2000 flies into our ears as the quidditch tryouts begin; this is a quote from a very early statement used in the reptile house at the beginning of Sorcerer’s Stone. It is a rare moment in this film so late in the series to portray legitimate lightness and joy. A quick turn from this statement to a moment from the concert version guides us to a flourish that leads into a wide shot of the Quidditch pitch.

A rhythmic motive in the strings begins, emphasizing doubled notes in thirds and utilizing the Lydian mode. This perpetual motion recalls Williams’ late 80s style from films such as Always (1989), Stanley and Iris (1990), and Home Alone (1990). Solo trumpet plays a variation on the Quidditch fanfare and is answered in the horns below. During this statement, the woodwinds and harp fly up and down as the camera flips around with the players. A constant switch from 4/4 time to 5/8 time helps move the piece forward while also bringing attention to the playfulness of this scene.

Musical choreography thuds three times as Ron awkwardly defends the goal posts from the incoming quaffle. The orchestra holds still while Harry says “Come on, Ron” to himself, hoping his friend can do better. Ron slowly gets back on his broom to a quiet yet confident playing of his theme.

The rapid time signature changes return with a new variation on the previously introduced material. The attention moves to Hermione, where she casts a Confundus charm on Cormac McLaggen to subtly help out Ron. A soft and innocent Ron and Hermione theme plays in the clarinets while she smiles to herself. One last big statement of the rhythmic material finishes out the cue, and then softer chords quiet down during the applause from Lavender Brown and the fade to the Gryffindor common room.