vinco 0 Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 Hi there,I'm wondering what the pitched percussion instrument is used on the main theme of each Harry Potter's episode. It doesn't sound like a celesta even though it's close!Could somebody tell me what it is and give me more info about it?Thanks!Vincent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisAfonso 186 Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 Um, but it IS a celesta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinco 0 Posted June 7, 2004 Author Share Posted June 7, 2004 well, if it's a celesta, it's doubled with something.celesta usually has a tighter sound. Or maybe they processed the track at the mixing but it sound too huge for a celesta imho.Vincent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Coscina 3 Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 Williams used a synth version of a celeste in Accidental Tourist years back. Perhaps he's doubling the celeste in Potter with something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxfan 128 Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 I don't think it's synthesized. It was performed on Evening at Pops two years ago and sounded the same as on the CD.Does the pedal have anything to do with it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony69 0 Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 it really is a celesta. i have the score. its only celesta with pedals for the first bit. then later for the second version of the theme (GBGBGCBnaturalA#), there's a violin tremolos to backit up. Then theres the crazy string passage, followed by theme in Alto flute, English horn, basoon, vibes and harp. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrchDork 0 Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 Beat me to it, tony69! I have the score too, and was also going to say that it is, in fact, a celesta (sometimes spelled "celeste"). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diskobolus 3 Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 Beat me to it, tony69! I have the score too, and was also going to say that it is, in fact, a celesta (sometimes spelled "celeste").I think your avatar is property of John Takis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeekUYoda 0 Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 I think it's in octaves or maybe doubled with glock? I'll have to hear my CD again to be sure. You're right, it sounded different, but it's definitely a celeste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisAfonso 186 Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 I don't think every celeste sounds the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeshopk 8 Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 Just celeste. Pedal on (as in "ringing" mode). The distant microphone placement gives it a soft attack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pixie_twinkle 48 Posted June 8, 2004 Share Posted June 8, 2004 It is celesta in the key of E minor. Williams uses this trick a lot to imply both magic and Christmas. Hook and Home Alone both have similar themes to open the movies for precisely the same reason. E minor celesta music has always been synonymous with magic/Christmas ever since Tchaikovsky first introduced the instrument to the orchestra in Nutcracker (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy is celesta in E-minor. Hey presto...Christmas magic!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeekUYoda 0 Posted June 8, 2004 Share Posted June 8, 2004 Just celeste. Pedal on (as in "ringing" mode). The distant microphone placement gives it a soft attack.Ah. That makes sense! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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