Soundtracks are often frustrating to the listener because while the brief excerpts on a recording my bring recall of a movie moment that was special, usually the segment is foreshortened to the point of frustration. It is not really clear just how much of this soundtrack was composed by Dario Marianelli, as so much of the score is fragments from Bach's Cello Suite No.1 in G major, moments from Beethoven's String Quartet No. 15, Op. 132, Eroica Symphony and Symphony No. 9 - all cleverly mixed with Marianelli's own orchestral backgrounds.
The aspect of the soundtrack that is not made clear is that the cello music is being performed by La Philharmonic cellist Ben Hong and that the orchestral portions are from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It seems odd that on a soundtrack from a movie based on a story that takes place in Los Angeles that the major contributors to the success are not mentioned. People who simply want to remember the film will be satisfied with the soundtrack. For those more interested in classical music, go for full performances of which there are many fine ones available. Grady Harp, March 11
