I'm looking to buy a gift for a friend. She likes movie soundtracks
like Shrek and Moulin Rouge that have orchestral tracks that are very
big and emotionally powerful. Lots of highs and lows, with bold
crescendos, yet with modern, showtoon or pop-music like melodies you
might end up humming the rest of the day. In some cases they are
actually pop songs made orchestral (like "I Need a Hero" on Shrek) or
they might be true classical scores that have this general feel, like
Carmen. She would like to have more of this kind of "orchestral"
music. So, I need recommendations.

To answer the question, please provide at least three suggestions in
each of two categories:
1. CDs with pop-songs made orchestral (movie related or not)
2. CDs with non-pop songs that fit the "bold and melodic" idea
above...that are orchestral in sound. (like Carmen) (movie related or not)

Thanks!

Well I can't fill the first category really, although I thinking.
However, category 2, try the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' soundtrack,
the main theme tune is bold and adventurous, I like it a lot. Also,
for big orchestral crescendos try the instrumental compositions on the
'Love Actually' soundtrack. I don't think these can be bought
separately to the rest of the CD but they are the three pieces at the
end of the soundtrack and are brilliantly composed. They are based
around the same motifs but moving and powerful and contrasting to each
other. For another great piece of orchestral music with annoyingly
catchy tunes and big orchestral forces try and listen to Shostakovich
Suite for Jazz, No. 2, the 4th movement, the waltz. It's fab and
reminds me of catchy marching band music. I saw you had no replies to
your plea so I thought this would be better than nothing.