The Music That Links Dumbledore's Death to Bach and Radiohead 

Your editing is simply superb. Great job

Thought you might mention the upper voice often rises, to be a word painting of the heart being ripped in two. Also, the resolution of this bassline is often hollow, so while it may contain our grief it also exists in an infinite loop.

This was the video that made me subscribe to your channel.

Beautiful, and instructional.

Beautifully expressed.

I do not know much about music but I feel it. Many of the examples in this video made me tear up. Man, music is powerful.

Great job

Could you do one of these analysis on the video game Skyrim? The music in it is amazing and I think an analysis would be great!

Fantastic video!

I'm an opera singer and director, and Dido and Aeneas was one of the first shows I ever directed - as soon as I saw this vid, I was like "oooooh, I hope he talks about Dido's Lament" and I was not disappointed! ✨Thank you for making music history engaging and exciting for all!

Your videos on the Prisoner of Azkaban score and the Radiohead dissections are some of my favorites, so you put everything I love together to grab my attention and proceed to give me a very enlightening music history lesson. That was really cool.

My two favorite songs from the entire franchise are Dumbledore's Farewell and Lily's Theme. Both songs carried such a heavy weight that you could feel in your soul. Truly powerful works.

"Hooper is calling back to the songs of grief and loss from centuries past, and giving us and the characters, and all those who have experienced death in their lives, a world to contain our sadness." Well said. That's a beautiful thought

I find it interesting that Adagio for Strings by Barber, a popular piece for conveying sadness, is centered around upward motion when, as we saw in this video, downward movement was the archetype for expressing sadness. Keep up the good work dude!

For years I have wondered why this one piece from Harry Potter 6 always gives me goosebumps and just makes me feel a certain way. To learn that it’s because of the history of this one Beautiful lament that has been passed down through the ages, just makes it that much more powerful. I will never listen to this part the same again because of this video the next time I hear this I will be thinking about the history that Nicholas Hooper decided to put within the score of this one single moment. Just another great video man you never disappoint!

First thing I ever learned on piano, beautiful song "Dumbledore's Farewell" - Half Blood Prince

The fact that I’d sung liturgical music most of my life, studied music theory to A-level etc but *not encountered this* nor spotted its sheer pervasiveness makes the whole ‘reveal’ all the more astonishing. Thank you for being the one to do so, and so brilliantly!

John Williams deserves aaaaall the praise, but Half-Blood Prince is the absolute best soundtrack of the entire series. Wonderful stuff all over. Also made me understand the film in a different way. Is it the best adaptation? Of course not. Still an amazing movie. That atmosphere. That cinematography. Yates directing the hell out of it. (Potter aside, Crimes of Grindelwald also has a gorgeous score)

I think that the Muse song with the strongest resemblence is the B section of Citizen Erased. It is in the same key and uses the same melody almost. Also the music in 1:29 is directly influenced by Arvo Pärt's Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten

Brilliant as always, I would say Muse’s Matthew Bellamy based a lot of his music from Lament Bass, you hear it constantly through all their records. I would say it’s Muse’s signature.

Every time I hear Dumbledore's Farewell: ah, yes. It's pain time.

To me this piece of music strongly resembled the introduction to Resistance by Muse - great video!

I'm always amazed at how strongly your essays, both in content and presentation, focus on the emotional impact, on the raw appeal to humanity of so many simple concepts and motifs -- the ones that I tend to overlook the most in my (probably ADHD-driven) interest towards more chaotic & fast-paced music.

These videos make you see music in totally different light, keep up the amazing work. Would love to see your take on some more game scores such as Halo, Tomb raider etc.

I love it when I find out the history of music that has unconsciously formed my own palette. When I was ten my piano teacher of two years moved away and I was left without a teacher for a couple years, and without a constant influx of sheet music, I learned to improvise. The most common thing I improvised over was the Andalusian cadence and of course the lament bass. I wouldn't find out that the progression was called "Andalusian" until years later and I didn't know the term "lament bass" until today! And then, after watching this I'm realizing the patterns of dissonance from Dumbledore's death music has also cropped up in my own writing a lot when I'm trying to express sadness, and since I watched the harry potter movies as a child many times, I can't imagine that's a coincidence. Thank you for this history and analysis! Beautiful editing as always :)

Something has the Hafl Blood Prince soundtrack is so nostalgic and dark. Probably it is because of the simplicity of themes through solos. On one side you have Ginny's theme with a beautiful oboe solo. The theme "When Ginny Kissed Harry" with the guitar solo, wanting to be romantic, but sad for the context in which they live. "In Noctem" perhaps the most understated piece, which shows with a simple almost a cappella choir the danger and imminent darkness that is approaching Hogwarts and the magical world, which is tied with one of the best scenes (and also deleted) of the entire series before Dumbledore died. All this is mixed with the beautiful photography and aesthetics of the film, which perfectly reflects the atmosphere of danger and melancholy of the book.

awesome analysis! can I just say, that I truly appreciate how you are willing to speak about the similarities across different kinds of music. Not many either in academia or outside of it are willing to acknowledge that there is any similarity, between the vaunted Classical and popular music. But the fact is, people are neither stupid nor wholly uncultured. At least subconsciously, we are all able to pick up musical ideas: and any musician develops an intuitive sense of music merely through practice and their own experimentation. "Music Theory" is merely the making conscious what the subconscious already understands: because music primarily works at the subconscious level. I do always laugh when people say that music is a universal language: because it would in fact be more accurate to say that language is a kind of music. And if there is any kind of magic in the world, then surely it is some kind of music.

You know. At first glance, it might sound absurd, as I have literally 0 technical knowledge about the world of music. And yet... This channel, easily, is one of my favorites out of them all. Your care, respect and heart for music shine so very brightly in each and every video. They never fail to move me, to teach me something precious - since we, as humans, speak the language of emotions no matter our technical knowledge. I always find great peace in watching and re-watching your videos - and I gladly re-watch them many, many times while working on my own art. For that, I would like to kindly thank you. It's a beautiful channel, full of warmth and passion for art. Please never change. Please continue doing what you love. Kindest regards.

As a music teacher, your video has been inspirational for me to explore new ways of teaching. Keep up the good work and keep rocking

Thanks for covering this. I remember sobbing after this had happened in the theater. I hadn’t read the book and the music carried me away in a sort of out of body experience

This is my favorite piece of music in the entire Harry Potter franchise so THANK YOU for making this video... Made me cry (as many of your videos do)!! Thank you x1000

Exit music for a films chord progression was heavily inspired by prelude in e minor by Chopin which contained the lament bass as well unless I'm mistaken

Intriguing! Dido‘s Lament is the first piece that popped into my head when you demonstrated the lament bass. That exploration back to the 15th century up until now was truly fascinating. Brilliant work! Thank you very much!

This music theme reminds me of Monsoon Chariot by Enya. Also super pumped that he mentioned Butterflies and Hurricanes. One of my all time favorite songs by Muse

I am just AMAZED by the quality of the video. Everything is perfect : from the story it tells, to the shots of the partitions, passing by the deep analysis. Bravo.

What a great video. I am not a musician and this was very instructional. Loved it! Well done!

This is the best RU-vid video that I’ve ever watched. It got better each minute. The editing and voiceover work is phenomenal. I’m studying Cello Performance and part of my degree is ,of course, taking music history classes. This video covered works and composers that have been named in those classes. I’m just amazed.

clever title! nobody would be watching this vid if it was called 'The history of the lament bass'. great vid!

Your channel is the pure definition of quality content.

Great choice of putting that line of Dumbledore at the end of the video. It's actually my favorite line in all of the books, just so beautiful

Interesting Title.. Albus Dumbledore Radiohead Johann Sebastian Bach

Subbed! Love the whole thing, content to editing. And this aspect ratio works surprisingly well :)

Don't forget about The Resistance by Muse!

Loved the brief extract of Arvo Pärt's 'Cantus In Memory Of Benjamin Britten' at 1.30. That's such a beautiful piece of music. The bell feels ancient and eternal.

I really wish this channel had the million plus subscribers it deserves!

This theme was tragically brilliant and forms the emotional core of the entire series: it was also used for the pivotal moment in the final movie where Dumbledore reveals "The Boy Must Die", followed by Snape's patronus and his legendary "Always".

Brilliant video! Alex Ross wrote a wonderful article about the development of the chaconne and the lament bass. One of my favourite modern examples is the slow movement of Glass's Violin Concerto, fantastic music

I'm probably late to the party but I disagree with this video. I don't think this piece had anything to do with any classical music or classical era, whether it be classical, baroque, romantic, etc. John Williams brought real magic (pardon the phrase) to Harry Potter. It added a whole new feeling to Harry Potter. After Williams left, I feel like we were treated to generic, cookie cutter music to fit a genre of music, rather than fit a specific mood or theme. This song uses a decending bass line that's been used a billion times by everybody, everywhere. I don't think it ties to any specific classical genre or piece of classical music. I think it's standard, cookie cutter stuff that appeals to the masses - which is what I think he was going for, in the first place. Most people tie those decending notes and chords to something sombre or dark. Frankly, it's a great chord progression to play with because you have those four decending notes and you can basically add whatever you want on the top clef. Most chords, scales, harmonies and notes in the minor or harmonic minor key work really well and are easy to implement. Now it's much harder to add something or make something sound great (in my opinion) with a decending CHROMATIC bass line but that's not what he's doing. The video was well made but I disagree completely with it. I think most everything composed after Williams left is generic sounding and made to appeal to the masses, which it does.

When you talk about music it seems to me like it's a supernatural force living in and around everyone almost godlike. Immortal and with the wisdom of centuries. It just gives me goosebumps every time you give me the opportunity to dive in this world of music. Thank you.

The quality of this video is exceeding anything I've seen on RU-vid till now. This channel deserves so many more subs

Most of the music in the video: -Dumbledore's Farewell by Nicholas Hooper -Cantus In Memory Of Benjamin Britten by Arvo Pärt -Fors Seulement by Johannes Ghiselin -Lamento Della Ninfa by Claudio Monteverdi Lagrime Mie by Barbara Strozzi -When I Am Laid In Earth (Dido's Lament) by Henry Purcell -Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: XVII. Credo: Crucifixus by Johann Sebastian Bach -Ruy Blas, Op. 95 - Overture to Victor Hugo's play: Lento - Allegro molto by Felix Mendelssohn -While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles -Feeling Good by Nina Simone -Butterflies and Hurricanes by Muse -Paranoid Android by Radiohead

Fantastic research!

Do you think you could do a review of the score in The Village (2004)? It is a severely underrated film with magnificent music as well.

It is insane, I just remark that almost all the pieces you mentioned are in my top 3 for each of these artists. Lamento della ninfa, Dido and Aeneas, Bach's mass, while my guitar gently sweeps and Paranoid Android. I will definitely be more careful when listening to these songs now. Might create a descending bass playlist.

Your videos are true works of art. I love your channel, please keep doing these! They are extremely entertaining and inspiring for us musicians. Thank you!

I was just thinking about your videos and realized how long it's been since you'd uploaded. I hope you're doing all right.

I cannot believe I only have found this channel now... this is EXACTLY what I always wanted: a channel with a lot of orchestral (mostly) film music, but with the actual basis of Western Classical music... The editing, visuals, etc. It's all on point! Great job & you got yourself a new sub. Btw, does anyone by any chance know the piece that starts at around 1:28? Seems more modern, than classical music I reckon... I'd definitely like to hear the full version. Thanks!

This was a very beautiful video and analysis of the music. I just hope sometimes that we will be able to listen to the individual examples a little bit longer before moving on.

What a great video. Thank you so much. (I think I need to know more about Monteverdi!!)

Hey, can I get a link to the Lagrime mie song featured in the video? Can't find the exact song anywhere.

No joke, the quality of your videos is so superb! I cant even put it into words. Interesting topics, you learn new things about music, the video quality is outstanding, and as many often point out not only content wise but also the editing. I believe the first video of yours i watched was the one to the third Harry Potter movie, The Prisoner Of Azkaban: Wow, that video really had it in it... I think i watched it at least four or five times to this day (im gonna watch it again now i guess, but i first wanted to write this comment) and i am still amazed by the quality and the things you found hidden in the music, the way you interpreted and explained them, just amazing, it fascinated me and inspired me to give a presentation about the movie and its music in class. I really thank you for your work and videos, they are an enrichment for all music lovers. I can image the amount of time and effort you put into these, still i would be so happy to see a new video from you soon if you find the time :D

What a fantastic, fascinating video essay! Whilst watching this video, I realised how many of the pieces and songs I absolutely adored without knowing what they have in common. I love finding out more about why I like what I like. Thank you very much for creating such an interesting deep-dive into a (seemingly) simple musical concept! PS. Nicholas Hooper is, in my opinion, one of the most tragically underrated film composers working today.

Okay, I cried a lot watching this... amazing video...

From the moment I saw the title I thought...."oh, I bet he is going to mention 'Dido's Lament'-my favourite use of the Lament Bass" 🙂

Pretty sure these all these are coincidences of the human mind and the ability universe has to repeat itselft But your deconstructions and origins overall are ALSO astonishing!

Pleaseeee do How to Train Your Dragon music one day ❤️❤️

easiest S tier video ever

How to bait Potter Heads into watching your video

There should be a playlist with all the musical references in this video.

You need to do a video on the music of Tom and Jerry.

Could you please do something on Indian Classical Music?

So THATS why the soundtrack was so generic.

You didn't mention it because it doesn't exactly fit the 'lament bass' idea, but I deeply appreciated the appearance of the Arvo Part Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten. That music is pure musically distilled grief, and almost never fails to tear me up.

Rest in peace, Michael Gambon:( There was a memorial held for him at Royal Albert Hall, and they performed this piece live! I'd cry.

I was doing an HP marathon early last year and not having paid attention to the scores before "Dumbledore's Farewell" was one of the pieces that stuck out to me, along with John William's works especially Prisoner of Azkaban. After watching this, I think the Lament Bass reminds me a lot of Dies Irae in the sense that they are both pieces that evolved through the ages to become a symbol for a certain emotion, while Dies Irae became a sign of foreboding and warning, The Lament Bass, as you explained, became a symbol of despair and grief. Really interesting examples of art being derivative in a good way. Once again I want to thank you for helping me parse through why certain music makes me feel a certain way. Much love.

One of my new favorite quote :) "Music isn't a universal language, but sometimes it speaks so clearly, that it is difficult to imagine ... anything else would work ... that anything else would make us feel as comforted or held ... in this moment."

You are my favourite video essay maker! Incredible craft and intriguing themes on music, providing new insights and viewpoints. Love it!

You are like jaime altozano but with better edition

Major spoilers in title, fucks sake

This was just magnificent. Goosebumps all over. Thank you!

Please do some videos on the genius of Queen songs

love these videos, keep growing!!

Not a fan of the spoiler in the title and thumbail… Are spoilers generally considered ok for films over 10 years old? Been meaning to watch HP for years but just haven’t got around it to and trying to stay spoiler free!

Hell yes, such quality content

please can someone tell me the name of this piece at 12:08 its so beautiful

OF COURSE THIS LEADS TO RADIOHEAD

Love this! Great, insightful video - Nicholas Hooper

What composition of fors suellement is featured @ 2:05. There is so many on spotify

I love this piece from Half Blood Prince! You explained it very well!

I'm a Bach fan, a Radiohead fan, working on a Monteverdi vocal piece (Lasciatemi morire!), and working on two vocal spirituals as well. You made this video just for me lol. Great work!

This is my favourite video that you've done, a perfect history and explanation of this simple but powerful musical technique. Truly inspiring.

Another good example of the lament bass is in Anakin's Dark Deeds, from the Star Wars Episode III soundtrack.

I cannot believe how good, well constructed and beautiful your video's are. Thank you so much!

this is like "the lick" but for sad music 😂

Muse used it also in their Interlude for Hysteria. It's very similar to Dumbledores Farewell. Edit: I meant Resistance. The Interlude to Hysteria is a bit different.

You had me in tears at the end. Beautifully done. I love the well structured historical narrative. Ending with that quote was brilliant. Thank you so much.

I absolutely love these types of videos! The editing is superb, and I think you’re going to hit many milestones in the near future. Keep up the great work!

Can you do Titanic's music?

It is criminal that every video of yours haven't been seen by million of people (yet). Truly a hidden gem of a channel

Miss seeing your content! Your videos are really enjoyable for me to watch. I hope they continue being enjoyable to create