If all you've got in your collection is Rocky and Star Wars, this may not be for you. It certainly has its pent up moments, but on the whole, it feels more willing to 'let go'. Although I am a fan of those scores, this feels more alive and less restrained.

I could not blame anyone for immediately thinking that this music will be identical to that for Howard's End, Remains of the Day, or some similar film. The story bears no real resemblance, but I feel that the music does in so many aspects that I have to wonder if the composer is the same. This movie was a small British film starring Ben Kingsley and Glenda Jackson. The score that first came to mind for comparison is a rare one, Turtle Diary. Here, the choir is used as a sad lament, mourning a marriage that should not be occuring as the rejected lover wallows. There is some nice choral work, especially in Track 16 ('The Play & The Marriage'). He relies primarily on strings, which works quite well considering the period in which the film is set. The score is written, orchestrated, and performed in a very classical style. There is no synthesizer, modern percussion, rock song, or other purely modern element of music here.

This is used with good results in Track 4 ('The DeLesseps' Dance') for instance, in which Shakespeare and his muse meet on the ballroom floor. The composer also makes use of instruments of the time such as harpsichord and wooden flute.

Particularly with tracks such as Track 7 ('A New World'), and especially Track 12 ('News of Marlowe's Death'), he gives the music an extra dimension and more depth. His own experiences directly shape the progress of his play, and this is played out smartly, and quite amusingly.Ĭomposer Stephen Warbeck is not content to leave the music as nothing more than a farcical romp (intelligently done though it is), and delves into some more foreboding themes when the occasion arises. The action of the film progresses along with his progress on his play, 'Romeo and Juliet'. As he learns her true identity, they fall in love, and his inspiration for Juliet is borne. He switches his attention from muse to muse until he finally encounters Viola (the ever-radiant Gwyneth Paltrow) who is auditioning for a role of Romeo - disguised as a man. The premise of Shakespeare in Love is that William Shakespeare (wonderfully portrayed by Joesph Fiennes) has lost his will to write. It's a light, fast-paced piece which provides a good feel for the film. The first track ('The Beginning of the Partnership') nicely sets the tone for the rest of the score. So, let me start with my guess of who would not enjoy this score: those only out for action scores. To be a little more specific, I suppose I should also add, 'Absolut Brit'. These are the first two words that spring to mind when I think of this score.

Theme of shakespeare in love