But while Mr Barroso has his romantic side, his early choices as commission president have been pragmatic.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

Listen to the extraordinary path they've found between strict early-instrument style (they play modern instruments) and the big, gushy romantic approach you often hear.

NPR: The Jupiter String Quartet: Orbiting Perfection

Romantic comedies and other genre films that premiere at the festival could be released as early as this spring, but most movies with Oscar ambitions probably won't make it to theaters until the fall of 2012, when the lead-up to nominations begins.

WSJ: At Sundance, a New Crop of Future Oscar Hopefuls