Merchant Of Venice, The - Various Artists

...the lesser-known Shakespearian work 'The Merchant of Venice' is only surpassed by the fact that even fewer will have seen this version, and more importantly, heard the soundtrack.

I'll admit I'm a sucker for a good medieval-themed soundtrack but they only catch my attention and keep it when they have something a little more special about them, and I believe that this one is a prime example of such a score. It captures the Shakespearian ...
...of my recollection reflects the radiance and beauty of the shooting and the characters, without becoming the sole focus or detracting away from the acting. The plucking of strings is extremely apt for the Venitian setting and the operatically inclined vocals are qieutly mournful, echoing the tragedy that is to come. All in all I find it a very fitting score that complements the film perfectly - and is that not indeed the sign of a good soundtrack?
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The shame it is that not many people seem to be familiar with the lesser-known Shakespearian work 'The Merchant of Venice' is only surpassed by the fact that even fewer will have seen this version, and more importantly, heard the soundtrack.

I'll admit I'm a sucker for a good medieval-themed soundtrack but they only catch my attention and keep it when they have something a little more special about them, and I believe that this one is a prime example of such a score. It captures the Shakespearian mystery and romance of the film and to the best of my recollection reflects the radiance and beauty of the shooting and the characters, without becoming the sole focus or detracting away from the acting. The plucking of strings is extremely apt for the Venitian setting and the operatically inclined vocals are qieutly mournful, echoing the tragedy that is to come. All in all I find it a very fitting score that complements the film perfectly - and is that not indeed the sign of a good soundtrack?

This score contains many gems but my favourite by far is the angelic yet slightly morose 'Bridal Ballad' sung by Hayley Westenra as the credits roll. It is a sung version of the poem of the same name by Edgar Allen Poe and is a splendid rendition - indeed this is the song which drew me to research the soundtrack in the first place. I also greatly like 'Bassanio Opens The Casket'.

Andreas Scholl provides the vocal talent for 'How Sweet The Moonlight' and 'With Wand'ring Steps'. All other tracks are purely instrumental (with the exception of 'Ghetto' which has some pretty intense male wailing in the background - not a favourite of mine).

Though not an epic and instantly recognisable classic like the Lord of the Rings Soundtrack, for any old romantics this is well worth a listen. I find it soothing when I feel harassed. Oh and one more thing - see the film, it's good! 

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