The Merchant of Venice

Label: Decca
Release Year: 2004
Barcode: 028947563679
Country: Europe
Product Type: CD (Pre-owned)
Score or Soundtrack: Soundtrack
Composer: Jocelyn Pook

Michael Radford’s The Merchant of Venice (2004) presents a richly atmospheric adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, with Al Pacino delivering a complex and humanized portrayal of Shylock. Set against the opulence and corruption of 16th-century Venice, the film explores themes of prejudice, justice, and mercy, blending the play’s romantic subplots with its darker, more tragic undercurrents. Its lavish production design and moody cinematography heighten both the grandeur of Venetian society and the personal struggles at the heart of the story.

The score, composed by Jocelyn Pook, is a striking mix of Renaissance-inspired textures and modern sensibilities. Pook employs period instruments, vocal laments, and atmospheric string writing to evoke the world of Venice while underscoring the emotional weight of Shylock’s plight and the film’s darker tones. Her music creates an almost timeless soundscape—by turns mournful, sensual, and unsettling—perfectly complementing Radford’s vision and giving the film a haunting, lyrical quality.

Track Listing

With Wand'ring Steps  
Jocelyn Pook  

Her Gentle Spirit  
Jocelyn Pook  

Ghetto  
Jocelyn Pook  

Blessing Of The Boat  
Jocelyn Pook  

Synagogue Cantors  
Jocelyn Pook  

Portia  
Jocelyn Pook  

How Sweet The Moonlight  
Jocelyn Pook  

Song For Bassanio  
Jocelyn Pook  

The Feast (Propinan De Melyor)  
Jocelyn Pook  

Bassanio's Palazzo (Tarantella)  
Jocelyn Pook  

The Ring Returned  
Jocelyn Pook  

A Subdued Wedding  
Jocelyn Pook  

Courtroom Drama  
Jocelyn Pook  

Jessica Escapes  
Jocelyn Pook  

Bridal Ballad  
Jocelyn Pook  

Banquet For Shylock (Tourdion)  
Jocelyn Pook  

Unsuitable Suitors (Folias)  
Jocelyn Pook  

Song In Brothel ("Paseábase El Rey Moro")  
Jocelyn Pook  

A Spectacular Procession  
Jocelyn Pook  

Fie Fie Gratiano  
Jocelyn Pook  

Bassanio Opens The Casket  
Jocelyn Pook  

Shylock Broken  
Jocelyn Pook  

Last Words  
Jocelyn Pook  

The Floor Of Heaven  
Jocelyn Pook  

You Drop Manna  
Jocelyn Pook  

With Wand'ring Steps (Recorder Version)  
Jocelyn Pook  

Where to watch

Streaming information by