Itzhak Perlman

Advantages Is simply one of the best and most beautiful soundtracks out there
Disadvantages Some complain about being too gloomy listening

...including Best Director and Best Picture, with John Williams winning one for original score. John Williams' approach to Schindler's List was one of restraint and profundity. Whereas Jurassic Park was filled with orchestral splendour and adventure, Schindler's List does not allow anything of the kind. The overall tone is very somber, with only a few places where sun is allowed to shine at least a little bit. In fact so somber is the tone that many with fainter hearts might get easily depressed at hearing it. The structuring of the music is fairly classical in spirit, with no big and bold brass cues to be found. Instead we have a chamber orchestra with strings and woodwinds that provide the usual underscore with the talent of violinist Itzhak Perlman (a very suitable choice) giving the necessary personal and human touch. With so much... Read review

Advantages For film score enthusiasts
Disadvantages none

...the main theme is played by a piano. This theme is one of John Williams's most beautiful and "epic" themes ever, almost creating a vista of snow-covered mountains and aerial imagery in my mind (at the time of writing I haven't seen the film yet). The music can be held as the equivalent of Schindler's List in its use of a famous soloist, exchanging the violinist Itzhak Perlman to the cellist Yo-Yo Ma. There are many quiet and meditative moments with the soloist, and to this quiet orchestration is also included a solo piano, that often appears with the cello solos, but the best bits must be when the soloist is followed by the full orchestra like in the suite "Seven Years in Tibet" and in the cue "Leaving Ingrid." Also my favourites include "Approaching the Summit" and "Quiet Moments." This is a must have, if only for having one of the most... Read review

Advantages Shows joyful side of tragic Du Pré; invaluable performances; entertaining spots.
Disadvantages Too short, unfocused, worshipful; expensive for 1 hour film.

...-mocking amazement and surprise. Backstage just before a performance at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1969, the camera catches five young musicians (whose powerhouse combined talent could easily launch a spaceship) all horsing around--they exchange instruments and Du Pré plays a little violin 'cello-style--with hilarious results. Du Pré is joined here by Barenboim, Pinchas Zukerman and Itzhak Perlman. Shortly afterwards, the film shows them onstage, performing Schubert's Quintet (aka 'The Trout'). Rehearsing duos with her beloved 'cello teacher, William Pleeth, Du Pré exudes a natural joyfulness in her playing. That they shared a mutual admiration and warm friendship is in abundant evidence. Pleeth reminisces about his interesting first meetings with the teen cellist. He also recalls how she played from memory a couple of new, difficult pieces after... Read review