British cellist Jacqueline du Pre was one of the great musical geniuses of the 20th century, and one of few women in a musical genre dominated by men. The story of her life -- from her dazzling rise to stardom to her tragic death from MS -- is the subject of the 1998 film release Hilary and Jackie which dramatizes the complex bond between the musician and her older sister. This soundtrack from the film (a must-see) combines the film's score (featuring cellist Caroline Dale) with a famous live recording of du Pre's complete performance of her signature piece, Elgar's Cello Concerto, with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Personnel: Caroline Dale (cello); Dave Heath (flute).
The motion picture Hilary and Jackie tells the true story of the ill-fated British cellist Jacqueline du Pr‚, the wife of pianist/conductor Daniel Barenboim; the accompanying soundtrack is highlighted by a 1970 recording of du Pr‚ performing Edward Elgar's Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in E minor, Op. 85 with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the beauty of her playing a stark counterpoint to the tragic story of her life. ~ Jason Ankeny