Appassionato (2007), the follow-up album to the well-received Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone (2005), is a 15-track collection of love-themed material handpicked by the classical crossover cellist himself. There are single movements from classical works along with popular material such as the Cinema Paradiso track. Highlights include collaborations with
Ennio Morricone ("Gabriel's Oboe [Theme from The Mission]") and
John Williams ("Going to School"), among others. ~ Jason Birchmeier