Why is the "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" soundtrack so pleasing to the ear?

The "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" soundtrack is perceived as pleasing to the ear for a combination of reasons rooted in the fundamentals of music composition as well as psychological and cultural associations. Here are some reasons why the soundtrack might be particularly enjoyable:

1. Composition and Arrangement: The soundtrack is composed by James Newton Howard, an experienced and acclaimed composer. His use of orchestration, with a blend of different musical instruments, creates a rich and textured sound that can be captivating.

2. Harmony and Melody: The soundtrack likely uses harmonious chord progressions and memorable melodies that resonate with listeners. Catchy and emotionally charged tunes tend to be more pleasurable.

3. Themes and Motifs: The use of recurring musical themes and motifs throughout the soundtrack helps create a sense of familiarity and can elicit an emotional response tied to the film's narrative and characters.

4. Sound Quality: High production value ensures that the soundtrack is recorded, mixed, and mastered to a high standard, which enhances the listening experience.

5. Nostalgic Elements: The soundtrack may contain elements that are reminiscent of the original Harry Potter film series' music scored by John Williams, which could evoke nostalgia and positive feelings in fans of the series.

6. Emotional Connection: Music often enhances the storytelling in films, leading to an emotional connection with the audience. As "Fantastic Beasts" is part of the larger Wizarding World, the soundtrack helps build that connection by complementing the on-screen action and emotion.

7. Cultural and Personal Factors: Personal taste, cultural background, and individual experiences strongly influence one's reaction to music. Someone who enjoys orchestral scores or has a fondness for the Wizarding World is more likely to find the soundtrack pleasing.

Extra: Understanding why music sounds pleasing involves aspects of music theory, psychology, and cultural study. Here are some additional concepts related to the enjoyment of the "Fantastic Beasts" soundtrack:

- Music Theory: The study of the structure of music, including scales, chords, and the relationships between notes, provides insight into how different sounds can combine to create a pleasant auditory experience.

- Psychology of Music: The emotional response to music is a subject of interest within psychology. Neurological studies have shown that music can activate the brain's reward centers, triggering the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.

- Cultural Associations: Our cultural background influences the types of music we find pleasing. Over time, certain scales, chord progressions, and rhythms become familiar within a culture, which can contribute to an individual's comfort with and enjoyment of those types of music.

- The Role of Soundtracks: In cinema, the soundtrack serves to enhance the visuals and storytelling by adding an extra layer of emotional depth. A strong soundtrack can also stand on its own, conjuring up images and feelings associated with the film when heard independently.

Overall, the "Fantastic Beasts" soundtrack combines these elements to create a captivating auditory experience that complements the film's magical world while also engaging the listener's emotional and aesthetic senses.