The celebrated 1968 version of Romeo and Juliet by Franco Zeffirelli undoubtedly owes part of its charm to the remarkable soundtrack by Nino Rota. The music enhances the visual allure of the film and intertwines perfectly with the storyline. However, anyone wishing to explore this soundtrack by Rota will encounter several versions.

The original release came out in 1968 from Capitol Records and included 9 tracks, among them the famous What Is a Youth, sung by Glen Weston. This edition featured key scenes from the film, with segments of the soundtrack woven between the dialogue.

The following year (1969), an LP featuring only the musical tracks was released.

The music only soundtrack was reissued on CD by Cloud Nine in 1991. This version is difficult to find and often comes at prohibitive prices.

In 2019, the soundtrack was remastered by Quartet Records, in collaboration with Universal Music Group and Geffen Records. It is an excellent edition. For those wishing to approach the work, this is the recommended version.

Equally interesting and recommended is the 2002 new recording by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra for the Silva America label. Since the original score had been lost, the entire composition was reconstructed by Mike Townend. Although this version is not the original soundtrack, it allows listeners to enjoy the pieces with the clarity and detail of a modern recording.

Finally, it should be noted that there is a version that reprise the 1968 edition with spoken audio from the film.