Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is thefilm score to the 2018film of the same name, composed byJames Newton Howard. The soundtrack was released in both digital and physical formats on 9 and 30 November 2018 respectively byWaterTower Music,[1][2] with a vinyl being released later on 25 January 2019.[3][4]
James Newton Howard, who previously scored the previous film confirmed in a podcast that he would be returning to score the sequel.[5][6] Howard said in an interview that he saw a "wonderful musical opportunity" withFantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald due to depth of the film. He further stated that he had a passionate and enthusiastic collaboration with directorDavid Yates who he said focused a lot on the musical aspect of the film.[7]
Howard recorded over 2 hours of music, stating that over 90% of the score was new material and not based on the themes of the previous film. In addition, he wanted the "audience to feel, because it’s an emotional piece” highlighting the mix of the adventurous, dark, comedic and enchanting moments in the film. The score was recorded atAbbey Road Studios inLondon with a 90-piece of theLondon Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Pete Anthony, together with 40 members from theLondon Voices choir and the Trinity Boy's choir with orchestrations provided by Howard, Anthony, Jeff Atmajian, Peter Boyer, Jim Honeyman, Philip Klein, Jon Kull and John Ashton Thomas.[8]
The last three tracks which appear on the album are piano solos of the individual themes, that Howard performed himself and will not appear in the film. These tracks were released on 26 October 2018.[9] Also not on the soundtrack is "Hedwig's Theme" composed byJohn Williams which plays when it transitions toHogwarts.[10]
