Martin Scorsese and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’: A classical music survey

By David Ng

The movies of Martin Scorsese are often noted for their innovative rock scores that sample hits from different eras to provide the cinematic equivalent of an adrenaline rush. His latest movie, “The Wolf of Wall Street,” is no exception with its near wall-to-wall soundtrack of pop hits from the ‘80s and early ‘90s.

What is often forgotten is that Scorsese has often used classical music — particularly operatic and vocal works — in his movies to significant effect. Again, “Wolf” is no exception: In one scene, a Quaalude bacchanal at a Long Island mansion becomes a comic slow dance set to an aria by the 17th century English composer Henry Purcell.

Here are several other Scorsese excursions into extreme behavior in which classical music plays more than just an ornamental role.