Music Is My Weapon

Big music news on the Harry Potter front: The composer for the hits' scores, John Williams, has been replaced by Patrick Doyle, after three installments in the series. Thankfully for the Williams' fans, he never feels far away, with his main theme popping up throughout the movie. Similarly, his tracks like "Voldemort," which eloquently illustrates the soul of a blacker-than-black wizard with thunderous cymbal crashes, shrieking horns, tumultuous strings, and a stately finish, firmly belongs in the Williams mode. Overall, Doyle acquits himself well. He can do light when needed like "The Quidditch World Cup," which starts out like some kind of jig, and can accomidate the ominousness like in the same song, which ends in martial war chants. Among the highlights are the aforementioned "Voldemort," but also the frantic, overpowering "The Dark Mark."

"Goblet of Fire" is a far different film from the first three Potter movies. Big things happen which demand strong themes and music and Patrick Doyle delivered well. Though having big shoes to fill, he filled them well, and will continue composing as the series progresses.