For many film-score fans, the magic begins with ‘The Sorcerer’s Stone’

And the people have spoken. An unscientific survey of various fan sites reveals that moviegoers’ favorite score of the “Harry Potter” series is ... drum roll, please: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001). 

That film, which received an Oscar nomination for best score, was composed by movie-music icon John Williams. He went on to write the next two films in the series and then was succeeded by Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper and Alexandre Desplat. (CSO at the Movies will present “The Sorcerer’s Stone,” complete with full score, in concerts Jan. 12-14.)

ClassicFM cites “The Sorcerer’s Stone” for its motifs of Hedwig’s Theme, Harry’s Wondrous World, Nimbus 2000, Leaving Hogwarts and Diagon Ally.

CBR.com, home of Comic Book Resources, also goes for “The Sorcerer’s Stone”  in a big way: “The first movie is the one that evokes the most emotion and nostalgia. It could be argued that a lot of that feeling is down to John Williams’ iconic, beautiful score. Hedwig’s Theme has become one of the most recognizable pieces of movie music and can easily transport any fan back into the Wizarding World.” 

Over on JWFan.com, the Fan Network for John Williams, “The Sorcerer’s Stone” was narrowly edged out by one vote for “Prisoner of Azkaban,” also by Williams.

What’s your favorite? Judge for yourself when the CSO and conductor Justin Freer perform the score of “The Sorcerer’s Stone,” as the complete movie screens above the stage. Let the magic begin!