Not only the Sorcerers are able to ensorcell

Harry Potter und der Stein der Weisen – in Concert

Deutsches Filmorchester Babelsberg conducted by John Jesensky presented by CineConcerts, Wiener Stadthalle D, Austria 20230318

Those are eventful days, as King Gizzard, The Damned, Fiesta Forever and Bloodywood can be catched live during the week. And this Saturday, not only Motörhead founding member Lucas Fox gives a signing session at Schallter, but P.tah, desolat and Truckfighters are spread across the city. And at the Stadthalle a little different concert experience is waiting for fans partly even dressed in wizard capes.

CineConcerts presents films like „Lord Of The Rings“ and „The Godfather“ with the music played live like Earthset did with „L’Uomo Meccanico“. Great works by likes of Ennio Morricone or Hans Zimmer were played at this hall already, as well as from John Williams, who was covered e.g. by David Helbock. Tonight, the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg, which collaborated with Rammstein and was responsible for „Otto“ amongst others, performs his amazing music written for „Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone“. The movie, that draws a whole merchandise machinery after itself including stores and exhibitions, and that is shown on the big screen at the same time. 

Before it starts, an intro video shows the mastermind of „Home Alone“, „Star Wars“ and many more at his work and interviews with crew members like director Chris Columbus. Written fun facts tell, that Williams was nominated for the Oscar 52 times, that he worked with Henry Mancini, Leonard Bernstein and Alfred Newman and the solo instrument in „Hedwig’s Theme“ is a celeste. 

The stage is flanked with flags of the houses of Hogwarts and conductor John Jesensky asks the audience which ones they are in. After a short welcome, the film and the orchestra start. Immediatly it is clear, the the live music is louder, what makes the experience more intense. It helps if you know the movie, and in case, there are subtitles to read.

Having a seat in a little bit higher position helps to watch the musicians, like the percussionists, who sometimes have to change quickly e.g. from the xylophon to the mark tree. Therefor they not only earn applaud at the break, but after special parts and when special characters appear too. So the Hogwarts letter scene is even stressful, the harp calming Fluffy gives goose bumps and the rhythm of the chess game boosts to the final.

At the end, the somewhat different concert pleasure has only one disadvantage: the seats are really not comfortable. But the music and the musicians are simply impressive.