Songs from Les Misérables

Les Misérables, colloquially known as Les Mis, is one of the most famous and most performed musicals worldwide. It is based on the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, which follows the struggles of a cast of characters as they seek redemption and revolution in 19th Century France. French composer Claude-Michel Schönberg composed the Tony award-winning score in 1980, with a libretto by Alain Boublil. It was staged in London's West End in 1985, with English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. On October 8 2006, the show celebrated its 21st anniversary and became the longest-running West End musical in history. The show has since repeated its success on Broadway and in many other countries around the world.

There have been several recordings of this material, including ones by the original London cast and original Broadway cast. However, only The Complete Symphonic Recording contains the entire three-hour performance of songs, score and spoken parts, as featured on the stage.

The characters who sing solos or duets are:

• Jean Valjean, a paroled convict and the protagonist. Failing to find work with his yellow parole note, he tears it up and conceals his identity (under the alias "Monsieur Madelaine") in order to live his life again as an honest man. However, he is constantly pursued by Javert;
• Javert, a police inspector, originally a prison-guard, who becomes obsessed with hunting down Valjean whom he refers to as "Prisoner 24601";
• Fantine, a single mother who is forced into prostitution in order to pay for her child's well-being;
• Cosette, Fantine's daughter, who is abused and mistreated by the Thénardiers but whom Valjean later adopts—she soon grows into a young woman;
• Marius, a French student and revolutionary who falls in love with Cosette;
• Monsieur & Madame Thénardier, a crooked couple who own an inn and exploit their customers. They later become a feared band of thieves in the streets of Paris';
• Éponine, the young, caring daughter of the sinister Thénardiers who secretly loves Marius;
• Enjolras, leader of the student revolutionaries who seek to free the oppressed lower class of France;
• Gavroche, a hot-headed young boy who is adored by the people and aligns himself with their revolution—He is a true symbol of the youth and boldness of the rebellion.

Act I

• Overture - Orchestra
• Prologue: Work Song - Chain Gang
• Prologue: Valjean Arrested/Valjean Forgiven - Policemen and Bishop
• Prologue: What Have I Done? - Valjean
• At the End of the Day - Poor, Foreman, Workers, Factory Girls, Fantine, Valjean
• I Dreamed a Dream - Fantine
• Lovely Ladies - Sailors, Old Woman, Fantine, Crone, Whores, Pimp
• Cart Crash - Townspeople, Valjean, Fauchelevant, Javert
• Who Am I? - Valjean
• Fantine's Death: Come to Me - Fantine and Valjean
• Confrontation - Javert and Valjean
• Castle on a Cloud - Young Cosette, Madame Thénardier
• Master of the House - Thénardier, Madame Thénardier, and Chorus
• Thénardier Waltz - Thénardier, Valjean, Madame Thénardier, Young Cosette
• Stars - Javert
• Look Down - Beggars, Gavroche, Old Woman, Prostitute, Pimp, Enjolras, Marius
• Little People - Gavroche and Poor
• ABC Cafe / Red and Black - Students, Enjolras, Marius, Grantaire, Gavroche
• Do You Hear the People Sing? - Enjolras, Students, Beggars
• Love Montage: I Saw Him Once/In My Life/A Heart Full of Love - Marius, Cosette, Éponine
• Plumet Attack - Thénardier, Thieves, Éponine, Marius, Valjean, Cosette
• One Day More - Valjean, Marius, Cosette, Éponine, Enjolras, Javert, Thénardier, Madame Thénardier, Company

Act II

• At the Barricade (Upon These Stones) - Enjolras, Javert, Marius, Éponine, Valjean
• On My Own - Éponine
• Building the Barricade (Upon These Stones) - Enjolras, Students, Army Officer
• Javert's Arrival - Javert, Enjolras
• Little People - Gavroche, Students, Enjolras, Javert
• A Little Fall of Rain - Éponine, Marius
• Night of Anguish - Enjolras, Valjean, Students
• The First Attack - Enjolras, Students, Valjean, Javert
• Drink With Me - Grantaire, Students, Women, Marius
• Bring Him Home - Valjean
• Dawn of Anguish - Enjolras, Students
• The Second Attack (Death of Gavroche) - Enjolras, Marius, Valjean, Gavroche, Students
• The Final Attack - Army Officer, Enjolras, Students
• The Sewers - Orchestra
• Dog Eat Dog (The Sewers) - Thénardier
• Javert's Suicide - Valjean, Javert
• Turning - Women
• Empty Chairs at Empty Tables - Marius
• Every Day (Marius and Cosette) - Marius, Cosette, Valjean
• Valjean's Confession - Marius, Valjean
• Wedding Chorale - Guests, Thénardier, Marius, Madame Thénardier
• Beggars at the Feast - Thénardier, Madame Thénardier
• Valjean's Death - Valjean, Fantine, Cosette, Marius, Éponine
• Finale - Full Company

Prologue

Overture / Work Song

Overture is the opening song and a dramatic instrumental introduction that establishes the setting as Toulon, France, 1815. The Work Song flows from the Overture, its lyrics opening with a choir of imprisoned men, but eventually becoming a dark duet between the protagonist Jean Valjean (as a prisoner) and the prison-guard Javert.

The music is generally slow paced (with both the choir and Jean Valjean), with low brass and string instrumentation behind. Being an overture, it does have a very loud and simple, though forceful, beginning before voices are heard. It also introduces two of the main characters of the show (Valjean and Javert). The music is often reused throughout the show, as is the song's refrain ("Look Down" in English, "Pitié, Pitié" in French).

Overview

Primarily Jean Valjean and Javert sing the vocals to the song, outlining an argument over Valjean's rightful place (whether to be in prison or allowed in society). Valjean reveals then that he was put in jail for nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread to sustain his starving family. Javert proceeds to state that the crime was robbery, and he was therefore sentenced to five years in jail for it; he only stayed longer because of attempted escapes. Valjean also insists on being called by his real name, whereas Javert does not stop calling him by his prison number, 24601 (which he will do throughout the whole musical), and when Valjean proclaims "My Name is Jean! Valjean!" Javert simply responds "And I'm Javert! Do not forget my name!"

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear, nor did any of the Prologue.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Ouverture (Overture) and Le bagne: pitié, pitié (The Prison: Pity, Pity).

On Parole

On Parole is the second song in the first act. It comes after the Overture or "Work Song" and is followed by "Valjean Arrested & Forgiven". The songs’ ends are not clearly defined: Jean Valjean has a solo at either end of it, which are sometimes counted the song before or after "On Parole". These difficulties can be avoided by referring to the songs between the "Work Song" and "What Have I Done?" simply as the "Prologue". Most recordings cut the song after Valjean's first or second solo and jump straight to the scene in the bishop's house (or leave that out as well). The only recording that includes the scene at the inn is the Complete Symphonic Recording.

Overview

The show's main character, Jean Valjean, has just been released after nineteen years of imprisonment. He hopes for a new life, but also swears not to forget the years of unjust hardship he has behind him. He finds work, but at the end, is paid only half of the salary the others get, because of his past as a convict. He tries to be admitted at an inn, but is rejected for the same reasons. He discovers that he might have left the prison, but that he can never escape his past and will always stay an outcast. As he lies down to sleep the night in the streets, the bishop of Digne comes and invites him to his house, giving him food, drink and shelter for the night. Valjean, embittered by hardship, repays him by stealing his silverware, worth twice of what he earned in nineteen years in prison.

Music

"On Parole" is generally slow-paced and a mixture of all kinds of recurring melodies. Valjean's first solo is a soft tune found also in "Come to Me" and "The Confrontation". The work scene and the inn scene both pick up the main theme from the "Work Song", though higher-pitched, slower and much softer. Valjean's solos about his despair are in a recitative style and sung numerous times by him (e. g. "The Runaway Cart"). The bishop sings a melody later often picked up by Javert (and the constables in the next song), though a lot slower and softer.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear, nor did any of the Prologue.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as En liberté conditionnelle (On Parole).

Valjean Arrested, Valjean Forgiven

Valjean Arrested, Valjean Forgiven, also known as is the third song in the first act. The song contains two parts, the first part, where Valjean is invited in by the Bishop and steals the silver, the second, where Valjean is caught by two constables. The latter is better known, while the former is often cut out of recordings. When the both parts are played, the song is usually known as The Bishop of Digne. The following information pertains to the second part.

The beginning of the song is considerably loud and fast-paced, while the officers sing, but becomes much softer and slower when the Bishop takes over the conversation.

The melody sung by the constables is a theme later often taken up by Javert ("Fantine's Arrest", "The Runaway Cart", "The Robbery" or "Javert's Arrival"), the melody sung by the bishop then taken up by to whomever Javert is speaking (e.g. Fantine and Bamatabois in "Fantine's Arrest").

Overview

Before the song begins, Valjean is seen stealing objects from the house of the Bishop (who had graciously invited him in off the streets), to make an escape with them for food and money. Two officers who question him on how he obtained the expensive items from the reverend catch him. The two constables (correctly) accuse him of stealing and prepare to arrest him, when the Bishop steps in. Out of goodness, he protects Valjean, and confirms his story about having given him the items. After that, he gives Valjean his most prized and expensive possessions (two silver candlesticks). As the constables leave, the bishop tells Valjean to use the silver to become an honest man and that he has bought Valjean's soul from the darkness to give it to God.

"Valjean Arrested & Forgiven", though aimed entirely at Jean Valjean, has no vocals by him.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear, nor did any of the Prologue.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as L'évèque de Digne (The Bishop of Digne).

What Have I Done? (Valjean's Soliloquy)

What Have I Done?, also known as Valjean's Soliloquy is the fourth song in the first act, sung by the main character, Jean Valjean.

Both instrumentation and vocals fluctuate tone and feeling: going from soft to strong and so forth as Valjean confronts an inner conflict and "discusses" and reasons through it. The end of the song becomes darker as Valjean resolves to the conflict's resolution. The "dark music's" theme and music recurs throughout the play in the future; in songs such as "Who am I?", "Stars", "On My Own", and "Javert's Suicide" (which has almost entirely the same melody and even in some parts the same text).

Overview

Valjean sings "What Have I Done?" directly after the song "Valjean Arrested & Forgiven".

Jean Valjean is hurt by the Bishop's kindness, especially after being given extremely expensive silver candlesticks after having just robbed the Bishop. However, the bishop's words, "I have bought your soul for God," have deeply moved him. On the other hand, he has known unjust hardship for nineteen years (he had been imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread and trying to run four times) and has only hate left towards any other man, which he doesn't want to give up so easily. Because of this, he confronts the idea of staying a criminal, and after a deep inner conflict, resolves to become a new, law abiding citizen. This, however, cannot be done without one last crime: he tears up his yellow ticket-of-leave, which condemns him as an outcast and with which no new life would be possible.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear, nor did any of the Prologue.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Pourquoi ai-je permis à cet homme? (Why Did I Allow That Man?).

Act I

At the End of the Day

The music of At the End of the Day is fast and intricate, with different melodies coinciding as sung by various groups of poor women and men, female workers, solos by certain workers, and repetitious instrumentation.

Overview

"At the End of the Day" begins with a chorus of workers and some soloists singing about their lives at a factory owned by M. Madeleine (who is Jean Valjean), the mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer, where it takes place. Valjean's alias is never given in the current version of the musical, only in the Concept Version. The song then goes on to outline an argument between Fantine and another female worker.

In the end, Fantine's co-workers lie to Valjean's foreman about how the argument arose and Fantine's role; stating that she has an illegitimate child who is in the care of an innkeeper and who needs to be paid for. The other workers argue that Fantine is a troublemaker and a whore and pressure the foreman to fire her. He does this, taking revenge on Fantine, who has refused his amorous advances.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as La journée est finie (The Day is Finished), in which it features as the first song.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Quand un jour est passé (When a Day is Past).

I Dreamed a Dream

"I Dreamed a Dream" is a solo sung by Fantine during the first act. Most of the music is soft and melancholy, but towards the end becomes louder and taut with frustration and anguish; as she cries aloud about the wretched state of her life and her unfair mistreatment.

Overview

The lyrics are about lost innocence and broken dreams. Fantine is abandoned by her lover, gives birth to a daughter, Cosette, out of wedlock, is wrongly dismissed from a desperately-needed job, and forced into prostitution to survive and to support her daughter. It is sung directly after "At the End of the Day".

Relation to "On My Own"

Both the plot and music to "I Dreamed a Dream" bear a close resemblance to "On My Own", a solo sung by Éponine in Act II of the play. The two can in many ways be considered reprises of each other.

Some notable relations include:

• "I Dreamed a Dream" starts in E♭ Major, then E Minor, then F Major - "On My Own" starts in D Major, moving to B♭ Major, and ending in F Major.
• "I Dreamed a Dream,” outlines unfairness and woe in Fantine's life, the second half dedicated to her former male partner, who deserted her after the conception of Cosette. In "On My Own," Éponine outlines her desire to be with the character Marius, and (similarly to Fantine), dreams and imagines him by her side.
• Near the one-minute mark (slightly after in "I Dreamed a Dream"), the final key signature change is made and the music and singing grows louder and more intense, as is done in "On My Own."
• When Éponine sings her solo, it is the same tune as "Come to Me" also sung by Fantine.
• Similarly, the duet between Cosette and Marius in "One Day More" is the same tune as Fantine's "I Dreamed a Dream", though higher/lower in pitch and accented differently: their words are of happiness, a great contrast to Éponine and Fantine.

Other uses

• Many singers have covered this song, including Neil Diamond (from his 1987 live album Hot August Night 2) and Aretha Franklin (from her 1991 album What You See Is What You Sweat). Franklin also performed this song for U.S. President Bill Clinton on the evening of the day that he was inaugurated.
• A rendition of this song was performed in 2009 by Scottish church volunteer Susan Boyle for her audition on the third season of the ITV program, Britain's Got Talent. This performance was reported worldwide and videos of her singing were viewed more than 85 million times in various formats within a week of broadcast. Boyle was reportedly shocked and amazed by the strength of this reaction. The song's renewed popularity caused Patti LuPone's 1985 recording to enter the UK Singles Chart, peaking at forty-five with 4,987 digital download sales. "I Dreamed a Dream" is the musical's only chart hit.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as J'avais rêvé d'une autre vie (I Dreamed of Another Life).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as J'avais rêvé (I Dreamed).

Lovely Ladies

Lovely Ladies is a song from the first act. It is followed by Fantine's Arrest and sometimes the two are counted as one song. It is a fast-paced and joyful, though somewhat aggressive tune. The melody is later repeated in "Turning", only much slower. It slows down for Fantine's solo at the end of the number.

Overview

Most of "Lovely Ladies" is a chorus sung by a group of prostitutes about their trade. Small scenes between Fantine and an Old Woman, who buys her locket and a crone who buys her hair, interrupt it. At last, the prostitutes and a pimp persuade her to join them. Fantine, still needing money for Cosette, does so.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - A shortened version of this song was added at the end of J'avais rêvé d'une autre vie (I Dreamed of Another Life) and features the same melody and similar events as well as the scene where Fantine sells her hair in Les beaux cheveux que voilà (The Beautiful Hair That's There).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Tu viens chéri! (You Come Darling!).

Fantine's Arrest

Fantine's Arrest is a song from the first act. It follows "Lovely Ladies" (the two are sometimes counted as one song) and is followed by "The Runaway Cart".

Overview

Fantine, having become a prostitute, is mistreated by a customer and attacks him. Bamatabois (his name is not mentioned in the musical, only the book) calls for the police. Inspector Javert, known as a prison guard from the "Work Song" now Inspector in Montreuil-sur-Mer, arrives to arrest Fantine, believing only Bamatabois' version of what happened, not Fantine's. Fantine is about to be brought away when Jean Valjean/M. Madeleine, the mayor, intervenes. He demands that Fantine, who is sick, be brought to the hospital. Fantine tells him his story in short and how she came to be fired from the factory and Valjean has her brought to the hospital, much to the displeasure of Javert.

Melodies

The song changes melody and pace at several intervals. The scene between Bamatabois and Fantine is medium-paced and aggressive, Javert's arrival picks up the tune already sung by the constables in "Valjean Arrested & Forgiven" with Bamatabois and Fantine singing the melody the bishop sung in that song. As Valjean intervenes, the music changes back to slow and soft, the tune resembles the one in "Come to Me".

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song was separated into two songs, which were called Dites-moi ce qui se passe (Tell Me What Happened) and Fantine et Monsieur Madeleine (Fantine and Monsieur Madeleine).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song was cut from the recording.

The Runaway Cart

The Runaway Cart is a song from the first act, divided into two parts. The chorus, Fauchelevent, and Valjean sing the first with instrumental parts. Valjean sings the second one and Javert on a medium-paced tune often picked up by Javert or other policemen (first sung in "Valjean Arrested & Forgiven"). The song is cut heavily or left completely out in most recordings.

Overview

A cart has fallen on its driver, Fauchelevent, (name not mentioned in the play) and threatens to crush him. Jean Valjean/Madeleine rescues him, by lifting the cart entirely on his own. As the crowd leaves with Fauchelevent, Inspector Javert is intrigued; he remembers a man, a convict, who was also known for his remarkable strength. He broke parole eight years ago, has just been rearrested and will be brought to court the same day. After having told the story to "Madeleine", Javert leaves him behind.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song was cut from the recording.

Who Am I? – The Trial

Who Am I? is a song from the first act, a solo sung by the main character Jean Valjean. It is rather slow-paced, the melody is divided in two parts: The first resembles a recitative, the second and better known is soft but full of tension and can later be found in "One Day More" and "Valjean's Confession".

Overview

Javert has just informed Valjean/Madeleine, that "Jean Valjean" has been arrested. Valjean must decide, what to do: stay silent or declare himself. He first sees no reason to do anything, thinking of the workers who would fall back into misery without him, and of course not wanting to go back to prison. Then he remembers the bishop and the promise he made, to become an honest man. He realises that his final aim was not escaping the justice but to find a way back to God. He decides to declare himself, showing the court, about to condemn the false Valjean, the brand "24601" (his prison number) on his chest and escaping before being arrested. In some stagings (e.g. in Norway, Sweden and Israel), he turns back to Javert before leaving and says his only spoken sentence in the whole musical, along the lines of "You know where you can find me."

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear, though the melody comes from "L'aveu de Valjean".
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Le procès: comment faire? (The Trial – What to Do?).

Come to Me (Fantine's Death)

Come to Me, also known as Fantine's Death, is a song from the first act. It is followed by "The Confrontation". It is slow-paced and the tune is very soft. It has the same melody as the more famous "On My Own".

Overview

Fantine, delirious at the hospital, thinks she sees her little daughter, Cosette. Valjean, having escaped from the trial, arrives; Fantine begs him to find and take care of Cosette. After this, she dies from her illness.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as La mort de Fantine (Fantine's Death).

The Confrontation

The main characters Jean Valjean and Javert sing The Confrontation. It follows "Come to Me" and is followed by "Castle on a Cloud". The song is low and slow-paced. The instrumentation behind the vocals is the same as in the "Work Song", the melody partly also picks up that song. The song's highlight is Javert and Valjean singing in counterpoint, with the lead alternating.

Overview

Fantine has just died when Javert arrives to arrest Valjean. Valjean asks him three days time to fetch Fantine's daughter, Cosette, and promises to return. Javert laughs at this; a convict's promise is worth nothing to him. Javert does not believe that a man could possibly change; he triumphs about having at last found Valjean. He reveals that he was born in prison but chose the right way in life.

Valjean, at the same time, tells Javert that he did not care for his beliefs, reminding him that his only crime was stealing a loaf of bread. He says that he will fulfill his promise to Fantine and that he would kill Javert, if he had to, being much stronger than he is.

They now both make a promise: Valjean again promises the dead Fantine to fetch her child and raise her; Javert swears to Valjean that he will never stop chasing him and that, one day, he will re-arrest him.

Valjean knocks Javert out after a short fight and escapes.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as La confrontation (The Confrontation).

Castle on a Cloud

Castle on a Cloud is a solo for the part of young Cosette. She sings about her wishes of a fantasy castle where she does not have to sweep floors. In this song she fantasizes of a palace in which she lives and a lady all in white who looks after her.

Overview

Cosette has been with the Thénardiers, who run an inn, for five years; she is horribly abused, and used as a skivvy and sings. Later, Mme. Thénardier catches Cosette not doing her work properly, and orders her out to fetch water from the well in the woods. It is clear that she despises Cosette, while loving and spoiling her own young daughter, Éponine. As soon as Éponine appears, Mme. Thénardier immedietely dotes on her and praises her. While she does this, Éponine points to Cosette to indicate to her mother that Cosette did not leave. Mme. Thénardier once again angrily orders Cosette to retrieve the water, despite the child begging her not to send her out in the darkness alone.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - The main song is called Mon prince est en chemin (My Prince is On the Way) where it is preceded by a long instrumental section. The part where Cosette is caught by Mme. Thénardier is called Mam'zelle Crapaud (Miss Toad) that is added onto the end of "Castle on a Cloud" in the English version.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Une poupée dans la vitrine (A Doll in a Window). This is a reference to the book; to a doll, Cosette has seen in a shop and which Valjean will later buy for her.

Master of the House

Master of the House is one of the better-known songs of the musical and one that provides comic relief. It introduces the Thénardiers and the crooked way that they operate their inn.

Overview

As the inn fills up for the evening, we realise what a scoundrel Thénardier really is. He finds ways of cutting corners, serving the worst food he can find and, with the help of his wife, even robbing his customers. The Madame appears and berates her husband, disregarding him as useless and "Not worth (her) spit."

Music

The music has a comical quality. It is written in A major. The song "Beggars at the Feast" is sung to the same melody.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as La devise du cabaretier (The Innkeeper's Money).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Maître Thénardier (Master Thénardier).

The Bargain / The Waltz of Treachery

The Bargain and The Waltz of Treachery are two intertwined songs. The first part is often cut from recordings; the second is therefore much better known.

Overview

Valjean encounters the child Cosette for the first time. Valjean and Cosette enter the Thénardiers' inn. Valjean explains that he wants to take Cosette with him, because he swore to Fantine that he would look after her child. The Thénardiers see a possibility to get some money out of this. They pretend to have loved Cosette so much; they say that she was very ill and that the doctor costs so much; at last, they accuse Valjean of having bad intentions. In the end, Valjean pays them 1500 francs and takes Cosette with him to Paris.

Music

The first part picks up melodies from "Fantine's Arrest" and "Come to Me". The second part, which is the actual waltz, is a new melody that later is repeated in "Beggars at the Feast".

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as Valjean chez les Thénardier (Valjean at the Thénardier's) and La valse de la fourberie (The Waltz of Treachery).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as La transaction (The Dealing). It is only the second part.

Look Down

Look Down, sometimes referred to as "The Beggars" or "Paris: 1832", is one of the most well known songs from the musical as its theme is repeated throughout. The song comes after "Stars" in the Original London Recording.

Overview

Ten years have passed since Jean Valjean has taken Cosette away from the Thénardiers. The city Paris is in an uproar due to the fact that General Lamarque, the only man in the government who shows mercy to the poor, is ill and may die soon. The young street urchin Gavroche is in his element mixing with the Paris whores and beggars. Marius and Enjolras then come and give charity to the poor where they discuss the likely demise of the general. Thénardier's gang comes along and plan to get money by dressing up as beggars and fooling people into thinking they need money for their baby which is actually a loaf of bread wrapped in a blanket.

Music

The song picks up the often-used melody from the Work Song. Even the refrain ("Look down", in English) is re-used. Gavroche's solos remind of the "Javert theme" used f.e. in "Fantine's Arrest".

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as Donnez, donnez (Give, give). The song is about twice as long. It has a second solo sung by Gavroche, where he makes fun about the king Louis-Philippe and the politicians. Enjolras's part is sung instead by a beggar, and a part of what would later become The Robbery can be found at the end. This stanza asks for some historical knowledge; otherwise, the joke cannot be understood.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Bonjour Paris (Hello Paris).

The Robbery / Javert's Intervention

The Robbery is a lesser-known song from the musical, mostly because, once again, it is not clearly defined, and because there is a bigger emphasis on the plot than the music. The part known as "The Robbery" is sometimes a part of "Look Down" (f.e. in the Parisian Recording), sometimes a song in itself, the same goes for Javert's Intervention, also known as Another Brawl.

Overview

After Gavroche introduces Thénardier's gang, Éponine seeks Marius, with whom she is clearly in love, even though he does not realize that. Valjean and Cosette arrive. Marius and Cosette run into one another and fall in love instantly. Thénardier approaches Valjean and asks for money, but then recognizes Valjean as the man who took Cosette nine years ago. In the following fight, Valjean's shirt is ripped and reveals his prison brand. Éponine yells out that Javert is arriving, and the fighting immediately ceases. However, Javert does not recognize Valjean until after the latter's exit and swears that he will capture the escaped convict.

Music

Gavroche introduces the Thénardiers to the same melody as used in his first solo. Thénardier tells his gang what to do to a tune, which will later be used in the second Robbery as well. Marius and Éponine's dialogue picks up the melody from Gavroche's solo as well. When Thénardier talks to Valjean, the tune is reminiscent of "The Bargain". When Javert arrives, his and Thenardier's lines are set to the "Javert Theme."

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song appeared at the end of Look Down.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song was cut from the recording.

Stars

Stars is one of the two chief songs performed by Javert in this musical. It is among the better-known songs from the musical. It comes before "Look Down" in the Original London Version.

Overview

Inspector Javert has just realized, with the help of Thénardier, that Valjean has escaped him once more. He then looks up at the night sky and compares his struggle to capture Jean Valjean to the workings of the stars. He prays to God, asking for help and swears to never rest until he has captured Valjean. Gavroche appears at the end, once Javert has left, and remarks on the undesired presence of the police inspector in the community.

Note

While this song is probably Javert's best-known solo, it is also a song that contradicts Javert's portrayal in the book most strongly. Javert is not a religious man, believing in the Law and not in God. In addition, while Javert invests quite some time in chasing Valjean, this is not his one and only obsession. What many people fail to realize, is that Valjean, in the early 19th century, would really have been considered a dangerous criminal, being a repeat offender. The book includes a chapter about Valjean's re-arrest after Fantine's Death. He is actually sentenced to death, before the king changes his sentence to life imprisonment. So, even if Valjean were Javert's obsession, this would not have been considered strange, but as a devotion to duty.
Gavroche appears at the end of the song, however his short musical comments are excluded from most recordings except, notably, the Complete Symphonic Recording.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Sous les étoiles (Under the Stars).

Éponine's Errand

Éponine's Errand is another musical number. It is important for the plot, but no grand piece of music. It only figures on the Complete Symphonic Recording.

Overview

Éponine has recognised Cosette and muses about their past. Marius arrives and asks her for help in finding Cosette, with whom he has fallen in love. Éponine attempts to find her, even though she also is in love with Marius, which he still does not realize.

Music Note-

Once Marius arrives, the melody shifts to a different key of Little Fall of Rain

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song was cut from the recording.

The ABC Café / Red and Black

The ABC Café introduces the group of young student revolutionaries, who have formed an organization called Friends of the ABC. The song name is a mixture from the Café Musain, which was their favourite meeting place in the book and their name, "La Société des Amis de l'ABC" (literally in English, the Society of Friends of the ABC). The name is a pun, as in French "ABC" is pronounced as "abaissé", "lower" (therefore, "Friends of the Lower Class or the Poor"). The song consists of many different changing parts and is often referred to in its entirety as Red and Black.

Overview

The song is best divided into four sections:

• ABC Café – This first part is about the students planning their revolution; among them is the obvious leader of the group, Enjolras, as well as Combeferre, Feuilly, Courfeyrac, Joly, and the heavy-drinking Grantaire. Marius arrives and tells them that he is in love, because of which they make fun of him.
• Red and Black - The second part is the real "Red and Black" melody, where the students sing about the situation in the land and Marius about his newfound love.
• ABC Café (Reprise) - This is a very brief reprise where the students return to their planning.
• Gavroche's Arrival / Lamarque's Death - This final part begins as Gavroche arrives and interrupts the students, informing them that the popular general Lamarque has died, which Enjolras sees as a sign for their revolution's coming to fruition, leading into "Do You Hear the People Sing?"

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version -(Red and Black), sung by Marius about his meeting with Cosette, followed by Les amis de l'ABC (The Friends of the ABC).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - These songs are known as Le café des amis de l'ABC (The ABC Friends Café) and Rouge la flamme de la colère (Red, the Flame of Anger). The song order is reversed to match the English versions.

Do You Hear the People Sing?

Do You Hear the People Sing? is one of the principal and most recognizable songs from the musical, sometimes (especially in various translated versions of the play) called "The People's Song." A stirring anthem, it is sung twice: once at the end of the first act, and once at the end of the musical's Finale.

Overview

The song is first sung by Enjolras, who has just been informed by Gavroche that General Lamarque is dead, with the other students singing along as they prepare themselves to launch their rebellion in the streets of Paris. The song is sung again in the "Finale" as the final song of the musical. This second version, which immediately follows a number by Jean Valjean and others, is sung by the entire cast with revised lyrics, and becomes progressively louder with each stanza.

The song is a revolutionary call for people to overcome persecution and adversity. The "barricades" referenced in the song are erected by the rebel students in the streets of Paris in the musical's second act. They are to draw the National Guard into combat and ignite a civilian uprising meant to overthrow the oppressive government, but their rebellion eventually fails.

The lyric "The blood of the martyrs will water the meadows of France" is reminiscent of "La Marseillaise", a French revolutionary song that has become the country's national anthem.

Other uses

The song was played during television coverage of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. The video made using the song was made by Tom Hansen, an editor at KPRC-TV located in Houston, Texas.[1]

At the special Les Misérables 10th Anniversary Concert in 1995, "Do You Hear the People Sing?" was sung as an encore by seventeen different actors who had played Jean Valjean around the world. Each actor sang a line of the song in his own language, and the languages sung included French, German, Japanese, Hungarian, Swedish, Polish, Dutch, Norwegian, Czech, Danish, Icelandic, and English.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as À la volonté du peuple (To the Will of the People).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as À la volonté du peuple (To the Will of the People).

Rue Plumet – In My Life

In My Life is among the better-known songs from the musical. In the Original London recording, it plays alongside a Cosette solo, "I Saw Him Once", cut out of all other recordings.

Overview

Cosette sits in the garden of the Rue Plumet, trying to understand what happened to her earlier, when seeing Marius. Valjean enters and Cosette tries to get him to tell her about her past, but Valjean refuses. Marius and Éponine arrive outside the garden.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as Cosette: Dans la vie (Cosette: In Life) and Marius: Dans la vie (Marius: In Life).

1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Rue Plumet- Dans ma vie (Rue Plumet – In My Life).

A Heart Full of Love

A Heart Full of Love is a well-known song, sung by Cosette, Marius, and Éponine immediately following "In My Life" without a break in music.

Overview

Marius plucks up the courage to climb into the garden and talk with Cosette. As the two sing about their love, Éponine stands outside, interjecting from time to time, singing about the grief of having lost Marius to Cosette.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as Le cœur au bonheur (The Heart of Happiness).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Le cœur au bonheur (The Heart of Happiness).

The Attack on Rue Plumet

The Attack on Rue Plumet is a three-part song, the first part of which plays in only two recordings: a long version in the 1980 Original French recording and a much- shortened version only on the Complete Symphonic Recording and added into the beginning of The Attack on Rue Plumet. The second is best known and is played in all recordings while the third is again more important for plot than music.

Overview

There are three parts to this song:

1. While Éponine waits outside the garden, Thénardier and his gang arrive, scheming to rob Valjean whose residence is at Rue Plumet. Éponine is afraid that Marius might believe that she led her crooked father here (something Marius asks her not to do, in "Éponine's Errand") when she learns of her father's plans from his accomplice, Montparnasse.
2. Éponine tries to stop her father's gang from performing the robbery, as Thénardier relates his plot to get revenge on Valjean. Éponine's talking has no effect in dissuading her father, so she screams to warn Valjean and Cosette. The robbers run in fright for the sewers. Marius praises Éponine for her warning cry and then flees from of the garden, as well.
3. Valjean arrives, having heard the scream. Cosette covers for Éponine by saying that she screamed after having seen three men outside the house. Valjean draws the wrong conclusions; he thinks that Javert has found him and decides that he and Cosette must immediately escape to England.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - The first part of the song figures as Voilà le soir qui tombe (Behold, the night falls), which lasts over a minute and a half and actually occurs between "In My Life" and "A Heart Full of Love".
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Le casse de la rue Plumet (The Break-In of Rue Plumet).

One Day More

One Day More is a showstopper from the musical. The song is a choral piece: almost all of the main characters sing in it in a counterpoint style, as well as parts by the ensemble. It is the finale to Act 1. The song borrows themes from several songs from the first act.

Context

The song occurs on the eve of the revolution. The students, Javert, Jean Valjean, Marius, Cosette, Éponine, and the Thénardiers each sing about their viewpoint on the situation. Jean Valjean looks forward to the security of exile, Marius and Cosette sing at their despair of never meeting again. Éponine mourns the loss of Marius. Enjolras and the ABC students prepare to set up the barricades for revolution. Javert declares the revolution will end quickly and he decides to be a spy for the National Guard, whilst the Thénardiers dream of rich pickings from the chaos that is to come. It is during this song that the famous giant red flag is waved by the revolutionaries.

Music

Each character sings his/her part to a different melody at the same time (counterpoint), before joining for the final chorus:

• Valjean picks up the melody of "Who Am I?" without any changes (A major)
• Marius, Cosette and Éponine sing to the melody of "I Dreamed a Dream" with Eponine taking the bridge ("But the tigers come at night", sung by Éponine as "One more day all on my own") (A major, modulating to F# minor)
• Enjolras repeats the bridge melody of "I Dreamed a Dream" but in a major key. (Eb major)
• Javert sings to the already often-used theme from "Valjean Arrested/Valjean Forgiven" or "Fantine's Arrest", only slower and in a major key. (A major)
• The Thénardiers sing to a slightly changed melody from "Master of the House" (A Major)
• The revolutionaires repeat the bridge melody of "I Dreamed a Dream" in a major key with a counter melody that is only instrumental in Fantine's solo. (A major)

Other uses

The song was used by Bill Clinton in his successful 1992 campaign for the presidency of the United States. Another version was used by Barack Obama campaigners during the succesful 2008 election.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as Demain (Tomorrow). It is slightly longer, finishing with a short solo from Valjean.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Le grand jour (The Big Day).

Act II

At the Barricade (Upon These Stones)

At the Barricade, also called Upon These Stones and begins as a medley-like song that opens up Act II. It is often cut out of recordings.

Overview

"At the Barricade" comprises two mini-songs:

• Upon These Stones (Javert at the Barricade) - The rebels start building the barricade. Javert asserting himself as a messenger, but secretly a police spy, is sent by Enjolras to get information about the government troops. Marius discovers Éponine has come to the barricade, disguised as a boy, and sends her to Cosette with a letter.
• The Letter - Valjean and Éponine sing it to a melody very much like the first part of "Who Am I?". Éponine delivers Marius' letter to Valjean, who promises her to give it to Cosette, but reads it instead and so learns of Cosette and Marius' love for one another. (This part of the song is only important for the plot and is left out of all recordings, except for the Complete Symphonic Recording.)

Music

A short instrumental part at the beginning picks up the Overture, then modulates from the Overtures B Minor into a Major Key and becomes "Do You Hear the People Sing?". When Éponine and Marius talk, the music changes, so that they sing to the melody of their first dialogue in "Look down".

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as La première barricade (The First Barricade). The letter is left out.

On My Own

On My Own is a solo for the part of Éponine. The chorus of the song is the same tune as that of "Come to Me", although it adds a bridge and the tune of the verses are different. Beginning in the key of D, modulating to Bb(even though the song does not actually change key), then ending in F, this is her most important song.

Overview

In the song, Éponine expresses her unrequited love for the character Marius, and how she dreams of being at his side but knows his love is for Cosette and not for her. "On My Own" has become one of the most famous and popular songs in the musical, and Éponine has become one of its most popular characters.

Other uses

"On My Own" has appeared in many famous events outside of Les Misérables, for example:

• Michelle Kwan skated to it during the 1997 Skate America competition as well as the 1998 Tokyo Golden Gala.
• The character of Joey Potter in Dawson's Creek, played by Katie Holmes, sang this song at a talent show phase of a beauty pageant (Season 1, Episode 12).

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not figure, although the music was adapted from L'air de la misère (The Air of Misery), which was sung by Fantine about her misery and suffering. Éponine's solo was known as L'un vers l'autre (The One Towards the Other), bearing no resemblance.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Mon histoire (My Story).

Building the Barricade

Building the Barricade, also called Upon These Stones (Reprise), and Back at the Barricade.

Overview

The song returns the play's setting to the barricade where the preparing revolutionaries pledge themselves to their fight. An opposing army officer on the other side of the barricade warns the rebels that they should give up or else they will die. The rebels ignore this and affirm their dedication to the revolution.

Music

The song starts with the same instrumental part as "Building the Barricade", the rest rather resembles that song as well, after a short reprise of the refrain of "Red and Black".

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Sur la barricade (On the Barricade).

Javert's Arrival

Javert's Arrival is less a song than a scene.

Overview

As the title suggests, "Javert's Arrival" (or Javert's Return) is about Javert returning to the barricades, in order to tell what he can about the enemy. Because he is actually a spy, Javert invents a couple of lies for the students, but is quickly recognized by Gavroche.

Music

Javert starts with a similar melody as in "Javert's Intervention". The rest of the song bears only resemblance to "Valjean at the barricade". It is a fast pace, in a minor key and slightly menacing.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Je sais ce qui se trame (I Know What is Happening).

Little People

Little People begins as Gavroche proudly and merrily uncovers Javert's identity. Gavroche is praised by Enjolras and a quarrel then starts among the revolutionaries, whether to shoot Javert now or later. Enjolras orders in the end, that Javert be tied to a chair so that the people can decide his fate later on. Javert angrily denounces the rebels, deeming them traitors.

Gavroche is the lead singer in the song, even though he sings in first person only (referring to his own first person sufferring experiences) throughout the song. There is a background choir (of townspeople) singing in third person (referring to Gavroche's sufferring) in the second part of the refrains ("Il est tombe par terre...").

Versions

The Original London Recording included a much longer version sung by Gavroche, sung in the first act, between Look Down and Red and Black. For later versions of the musical, the song was cut by half to its current length.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as La faute à Voltaire (Voltaire's Fault) and is very long, accompanied by a background choir. The song Hugo put in the book is used as the refrain.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as C'est la faute à... (It's the fault of...).

A Little Fall of Rain

A Little Fall of Rain is a sad number. It features Marius and Éponine, the eldest daughter of the Thénardiers.

Overview

In spite of the imminent danger, Éponine returns after she has delivered Marius' letter to be with him. Fatally shot as she climbs the barricade to rejoin the rebels, she falls into Marius' arms and he notices that she is bleeding. She begins "A Little Fall of Rain" with some of the most remembered and endearing lyrics of the show. (Éponine's death scene has been compared by one French scholar to a "pieta in reverse".) For a moment, all activity on the barricade ceases. Marius and Éponine's pieta seems to suspend time itself as Éponine half-sings, half-whispers her dying words to Marius, happy that she is dying in his arms.

This is also the song in which Marius realizes that Éponine has fallen in love with him, in return for which a profound compassion for Éponine quickly grows in Marius. As Éponine dies in the end Marius, teary-eyed, leans over and gives her the kiss she dreamed of for so long.

The song starts in F Major, and then modulates numerous times between Ab Major and F Major, before finally ending in Gb Major.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as Ce n'est rien (It is Nothing).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Un peu de sang qui pleure (A Little Blood that Cries).

Night of Anguish

Night of Anguish is a musical interlude scene.

Overview

There are two parts:

• Éponine's Death - Enjolras and the other rebels lament over Éponine's death; they claim her as the first to die for the revolution
• Valjean at the Barricade - Valjean comes to the barricade to meet his daughter's secret lover, Marius. Valjean is dressed as an army soldier and the students are at first not too happy about an old man joining them. They show him the tied-up Javert and warn him that if he plans to betray them, he will share Javert's fate. As the battle is about to break out, Enjolras finally hands Valjean a weapon and they all prepare for the imminent attack.

Music

Parallel to "Javert at the Barricade".

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as La nuit de l'angoisse (Night of Anguish), which contains much of the same musical material, appears much earlier, and is about the revolutionaries' lamentation of their predicament. It also includes material that would later be used in "Drink with Me".
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song was cut from the recording.

The First Attack

The First Attack begins as an instrumental number with no extended singing, only a few lines, many of them spoken.

Overview

The government's army troops attack for the first time. Valjean proves to be an excellent marksman, shooting a sniper who misses Enjolras only by inches and, therefore, saving Enjolras' life. The army troops temporarily retreat. To thank Valjean, Enjolras agrees to let him "deal with" the spy Javert. As Valjean approaches Javert and draws his knife, Javert assumes he is going to execute him. However, Valjean instead uses the knife to cut Javert free from his bonds. Javert continues to mock Valjean, believing that he wants to make some sort of bargain. Valjean, however, only claims he is doing what is right and that Javert has always been wrong about him. As Javert runs off, confused that Valjean could have such good in him, Valjean fires his gun into the air so that the others believe he has killed the spy. Javert disappears and Valjean returns to the barricade.

Music

The first attack from the government's troops is accompanied by a musical theme, which could well be named the "Barricade Theme". It appears at the start of "Building the Barricade", "Upon These Stones", "The Second Attack" and "The Last Attack". The dialogue between Javert and Valjean is in a recitative style. Javert picks up "his theme" (e.g. "Fantine's Arrest"), slower and in a different rythm. Valjean responds in a melody similar to the one used in the dialogue between him and Fantine in "Fantine's Arrest". It's softness is a contrast to Javert's low and menacing melody.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as L'aube du 6 juin (Dawn of June 6).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as La première attaque (The First Attack).

Drink With Me

Drink With Me is the revolutionaries' mellow song as night falls and they await their enemy's retaliation.

Overview

Before going to sleep behind the barricade, the rebels sing this song, about the "good old times." They ask themselves if anyone will ever remember them. Marius wonders whether Cosette will cry for him when she learns of his death.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - One stanza of it can be found in the song La nuit de l'angoisse (Night of Anguish).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Souviens-toi des jours passés (Remember the Past Days).

Both French versions use poetry from the book, where it is said to be written by Jehan Prouvaire.

Bring Him Home

Bring Him Home is probably Valjean's best known solo.

Overview

During the night, Valjean gets up and prays for Marius. He begs God to let Marius live, as he is only a boy. He even offers his own life, in exchange for Marius'.

Music

The melody is not a difficult one, but the original composition is in C major, ending on a high C. It is often transposed to A major. The song is mostly sung in falsetto.

Note

As is the case with "Stars", the best known song of a character is also the one that contradicts the book most strongly. In the book, Valjean feels nothing but hate for Marius, sensing that Marius will take Cosette from him. When joining the rebels, he is not even sure what he wants to do if he finds Marius. Valjean saves him only because he after all swore to make Cosette happy. In the musical version, however, Valjean has already figured out which rebel is Marius and wishes him to be protected in the battle to come.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Comme un homme (Like a Man).

Dawn of Anguish

Dawn of Anguish is another minor interlude.

Overview

The next morning on the barricades, the rebels have come realize that the people of Paris still live in fear and are not going to join them in their uprising. Enjolras realizes that they will all die and so dismisses all the women and fathers of children from the barricade. Followed by a short reprise of the refrain from "Drink with Me".

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song was cut from the recording.

The Second Attack (Death of Gavroche)

The Second Attack is one of plot importance, but otherwise rather unknown.

Overview

The rebels fire another several rounds at the returning enemy until Feuilly declares that they are about to run out of ammunition. Both Marius and Valjean volunteer to go out and fetch the cartridges on the bodies lying all around, but young Gavroche, who is faster, goes to the other side of the barricade before they can stop him. As he collects the cartridges, Gavroche is shot four times and killed.

Music

The first part is a reprise of the "Barricade Theme", followed by an instrumental version of "Do You Hear the People Sing" and the recitative style beginning of "Red and Black". Gavroche then sings a reprise of "Little People" (The 2006 Broadway Production, re-introduced "Ten Little Bullets", which had previously been cut from the production) and is cut off in mid-sentence during the last stanza. After his death, we hear a funeral-like reprise of the Overture.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as La mort de Gavroche (The Death of Gavroche). It remains unknown, where Gavroche was shot. It begins with Gavroche making fun about Javert (whose suicide somehow is the song just before this). The students are aghast that the troops really shot a child. Gavroche, in his joking way, tells them what happened, to the tune of his solo in "Look Down". To the melody of the "Work Song". He leaves his cap to his friends, the only thing he owns and does not need any more. He starts singing "C'est la faute à..." again, but dies before finishing the first refrain.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song was cut from the recording.

The Final Battle

The Final Battle is a mostly instrumental number, often left out of recordings, as the important bit about the number is the action on the stage.

Overview

After one last warning from an army officer beyond the barricade, the revolutionaries vow that they will exact revenge for their fallen brethren, especially the beloved Gavroche, and will fight "until the earth is free." Gunfire breaks out and Marius is shot first, though he is not killed. Enjolras and Graintaire see him fall and Enjolras valiantly waves their red flag atop the barricade. A sudden burst of cannon fire shakes the barricade for the first time, and Enjolras is killed. After a second blast, the rebels begin to die one after the other. Graintaire is the last to fall. All have died except Valjean and the wounded Marius.

After the gunfire has ceased, Valjean wakes up and discovers that Marius, too, is not dead. He looks for an escape and discovers an opening leading to the sewers. Without hesitation, he carries the unconscious Marius down there. He has just closed the grill over him, when Javert climbs over the barricade looking for Valjean. He discovers the only possible escape and runs to head Valjean off at the River Seine.

Music

The first part is mainly the same music as "Upon these Stones", followed by the "Barricade Theme". When Valjean wakes up, the orchestra plays a reprise of "Bring Him Home".

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song was cut from the recording.

The Sewers / Dog Eats Dog

The Sewers is a lengthy completely instrumental song followed by Dog Eats Dog, a song performed by Thénardier.

Overview

In the sewers, Thénardier is busy robbing a corpse, glorifying what he does. He hides, when he hears someone approaching. It is Valjean with the unconscious Marius on his shoulders, and collapsing right in front of Thénardier. Thénardier robs Marius, taking a ring and a watch from him. When he turns his attention to Valjean, the latter wakes and Thénardier recognizes him and runs.

Music

One of the few songs to have a melody of its own. Only when Valjean arrives, bits of the "Work Song" melody are inserted.

Note

The song is considered the darkest song in the musical, and it shows Thenardier's true nature, as he is shown to enjoy stealing things from the dead, even stealing a watch from a deceased child without showing any remorse for a young life being taken. He also shows that he has no religious beliefs (despite Mme. Thenardier's previous claim that they were Christian, though she may have been lying) as shown by his lyrics "And God in his Heaven, he don't interfere, 'cause he's dead as the stiffs at me feet!"

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Fureurs cannibales (Cannibal Fury).

Javert's Suicide

Javert's Suicide is the second and last chief song performed by Javert (for obvious reasons), sung between "Dog Eats Dog" and "Turning".

Overview

The song often starts with an instrumental part during which Valjean drags the unconscious Marius through the sewer. However, this bit is sometimes part of "Dog Eats Dog" or is left out altogether. It is followed by Javert meeting Valjean at the issue of the sewer, next to the River Seine. Valjean accepts his arrest by Javert, but begs him for an hour to get Marius to a doctor. Despite Javert's spite for Valjean and his talk about mercy and justice, he allows him to take Marius away with the words: "I will be waiting, 24601."

After Valjean has gone, Javert cannot believe what he has just done. It is revealed that the fact that Valjean spared his life earlier confused him greatly. He is not only caught in the moral dilemma of whether he can arrest a man who just saved his life, as would be his duty, but he also comes to realize that everything he believed in so far - that a criminal is a criminal all his life, and that the world is clearly split into Good and Evil - is wrong. Unable to decide what to do, unable to continue his life after all his beliefs are shattered, he throws himself in the Seine and drowns.

Music

The instrumental part recalls the Overture and the Work Song, but is played much faster, giving the whole music a hurrying edge. The conversation between Valjean and Javert picks up the melody from their dialogue in the "Work Song" or the "Confrontation". Javert's suicide itself, his solo, is sung to exactly the same melody as "What have I done?" earlier in the musical. There are only minor changes due to the different range (Valjean is a high tenor, Javert a mid-range baritone). The reason for this is easy to find: Both characters are in a similar state of mind, having just been saved by somebody who had more than one reason not to do so. Only Valjean realises that he can change his life, whereas Javert is unable to do so. The end instrumental is an instrumental version of his more famous solo, "Stars". This is ironic because he is very religious in the musical, as demonstrated by this song, and suicide is considered a mortal sin.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as Noir ou blanc (Black or White).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Le suicide de Javert (Javert's Suicide).

Turning

Turning features the women of Paris mourning the loss of the students and their own hopeless cycles of childbirth and misery. Although it is a relatively unknown number, it is featured in all recordings. It is also the only song in the entire musical not sung by any major character.

Music

The melody of this song is exactly same as that "Lovely Ladies". It is difficult to notice this, as it is sung at a much slower tempo. The song begins with slow repetition of one stanza of "Lovely Ladies" sung by various women, and ends with all the women singing at a moderate tempo with echoes.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Tourne, tourne (Turn, Turn).

Empty Chairs and Empty Tables

Empty Chairs at Empty Tables is a solo sung by the character Marius near the end of the show.

Marius sings it upon finding that he is the only one among the rebel students who has survived the attacks on their barricade, and asks that "his friends forgive him that he lives and they are gone."

Music

The piece was originally composed in A minor, climaxing at a high G. However, various performers have sung the piece in different keys that better suit their range. This is mainly a result of the placement of the part of Marius, which is in between the range of a tenor and a baritone. It is sung to the same melody as "Valjean Forgiven"

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Seul devant ces tables vides (Alone in Front of These Empty Tables).

Every Day

Every Day is a two-part song sung by Cosette, Marius and Valjean. The second part is often known as A Heart Full of Love (Reprise).

Overview

Cosette and Marius are happy together. Cosette looks after Marius and remarks how he is getting better every day. Marius still wonders who saved him from the barricades. Valjean appears and decides to consent to their Wedding.

Music

Only Cosette and Marius sing the first part to a melody similar to "In My Life". The second part is, of course a reprise of "A Heart Full of Love" with Valjean singing the interjections that Éponine sings in "A Heart Full of Love".

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song was cut from the recording.

Valjean's Confession

Valjean's Confession is a scarcely known musical number sung by Valjean and Marius. It is only important for the plot, the music is just a "Who Am I?" – warm-up.

Overview

Marius thanks Valjean for allowing him to marry Cosette. He outlines their happy life together, when Valjean stops him and tells him that there is something Marius must know. He tells Marius of his past and explains that he has to leave, because the shame would be too much for Cosette, if he ever were arrested. He makes Marius promise never to tell Cosette and Marius makes only a half-hearted attempt to hold him back.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as L'aveu de Jean Valjean (Jean Valjean's Confession) and was much longer. It explains Valjean's motives more clearly: When Marius asks why Valjean confesses to him, Valjean explains that his conscience will not let him rest until he has done so. Valjean asks Marius if it would be better if he (Valjean) did not see Cosette again and Marius says that he thinks so. This fits much better with the description in the book.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song was cut from the recording.

Wedding Chorale

The Wedding is also known as Wedding Chorale and is sung by the guests on Cosette's and Marius' wedding. The second part is a dialogue-heavy song, sung by Marius and the Thénardiers. This part is sometimes called The Waltz of Treachery (Reprise) as it is sung to a similar melody.

Overview

Thénardier comes to Marius, wanting to sell him information about his father-in-law. He saw Valjean in the sewer, the night after the barricades fell. There, he was carrying a corpse. Thénardier tells Marius that Valjean killed that man to rob him. He shows Marius a ring he took from the corpse as proof, which Marius recognizes as his own. He realises that it was Valjean who saved his life and berates himself for how ungratefully he behaved towards him. He takes Cosette and they rush off to see Valjean.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - The first part of this song is known as Le mariage: soyez heureux (The Marriage: Be Happy). It was longer than all other versions, featuring an additional refrain. The second part is known as Marchandage et revelation (Bargaining and Revelation), where it is more than only slightly longer. It included another subplot from the book. Here, Thénardier first tries to shock Marius with the revelation that Valjean is an ex-convict, which Marius already knows. When Thénardier says that Valjean is also a murderer, Marius claims to know that as well. He believes Valjean to have killed both Javert (on the barricade) and a certain M. Madeleine, a rich factory owner. Thénardier proves to him (with the help of newspaper clippings), that Javert committed suicide and that Madeleine and Valjean are the same person - Marius's false source of information is unknown - and then tells him about the sewers.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Sonnez, sonnez (Ring, Ring).

Beggars at the Feast

Beggars at the Feast is the second big musical number sung by the Thénardiers. It can be considered as a reprise of "Master of the House"

Overview

Singing to exactly the same melody and background music as in "Master of the House", the Thénardiers, now rich from all of their ill-gotten gains, make fun of the upper classes, saying that they are in the end no better than them. Although the song is upbeat and comical, there is a somewhat sinister undertone as the Thénardiers boast of their evil ways and depart the wedding by telling the guests "won't we see you all in hell".

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Mendiants à la fête (Beggars at the Party).

Epilogue

Valjean's Death

Valjean's Death is the second-last (or last, depending on the song organization) musical number in "Les Mis". This and the "Finale", which it flows into without pause, are sometimes counted as one song. The combination is often known as "The Epilogue" (as the musical also has a Prologue).

Overview

Valjean, now an old man, waits for his death. He writes his last confession for Cosette, finally revealing all from his past, and asks God to look after Cosette and Marius. Fantine's ghost appears, telling him that he will soon "be with God". Marius and Cosette arrive just in time before he dies. Marius apologises for his behaviour and thanks Valjean for saving his life. Valjean gives his confession to Cosette and dies. The ghost of Éponine then joins Fantine’s ghost and together they beckon him to come with them into the light, or beg God to lead them to freedom, depending on the interpretation of "Take my hand and lead me to salvation". In the 1980 French version, Valjean tells Cosette and Marius about the light that they must keep alive by loving one another; the song concludes with the same theme from Fantine's Arrest ("I never did no wrong. My daughter's close to dying. If there's a god above, he'd let me die instead."), followed by the same theme as is featured in the beginning of "At the End of the Day", which also are the first notes of this recording.

Music

The music begins as Valjean writes his confession to the tune "Bring Him Home", before Fantine's ghost beckons him with a reprise of "Come to Me". A new melody then plays when a worried Cosette and Marius rush to his side. Finally, the ghosts of Fantine and Eponine beckon Valjean to the tune of "Come to Me" once again. This song then leads into the Finale.

Note

A few small productions (e.g. the one in Lübeck) have left out Éponine's ghost (who after all had nothing to do with Valjean), but included Javert.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song is known as Epilogue: la lumière (Epilogue: The Light).
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Final: c'est pour demain (Finale: It is For Tomorrow).

Finale

The Finale, also known as Do You Hear the People Sing? (Reprise) is the last song in the musical.

Overview

After Valjean dies and is joined by the spirits of Éponine and Fantine, the ghosts of all of the other people who have also fallen in the struggle appear in the darkness behind them. Together, the cast sings a reprise of "Do You Hear the People Sing?", which starts very softly but gets progressively louder with each stanza. The song's lyrics have been changed, so that it is no more a battle cry, but rather a cry for peace and a hopeful outlook towards the future.

The Thénardiers and the ghosts of the Bishop and Javert are usually not present (most likely because the Thénardiers are not dead and are considered evil, Javert is considered a villain, and the actor playing the Bishop also portrays one of the students), but have been included in some school productions of the musical so the entire cast can participate in the finale.

French Versions

• 1980 Original French Version - This song did not appear, instead ending with Valjean's Death.
• 1991 Parisian Revival Version - This song is known as Final: c'est pour demain (Finale: It is For Tomorrow).

Song appearances in recordings

Song	Original London Recording	Original Broadway Recording	Tenth Anniversary Recording	Complete Symphonic Recording	Original French Concept Album	Paris Revival Recording
Overture / Work Song
On Parole
Valjean Arrested, Valjean Forgiven
Valjean's Soliloquy (What Have I Done?)
At the End of the Day
I Dreamed a Dream
Lovely Ladies
Fantine's Arrest
The Runaway Cart
Who Am I? - The Trial
Come to Me (Fantine's Death)
The Confrontation
Castle on a Cloud
Master of the House
The Bargain
The Waltz of Treachery
Look Down
The Robbery
Javert's Intervention
Stars
Little People (Original, Former)
Éponine's Errand
The ABC Café / Red and Black
Do You Hear the People Sing?
I Saw Him Once
In My Life
A Heart Full of Love
The Attack on Rue Plumet
One Day More!
At the Barricade (Upon These Stones)
On My Own
Building the Barricade
Javert's Arrival
Little People
A Little Fall of Rain
Night of Anguish
The First Attack
Drink With Me
Bring Him Home
Dawn of Anguish
The Second Attack (Death of Gavroche)
The Final Battle
Dog Eats Dog
The Sewers
Javert's Suicide
Turning
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
Every Day (Marius and Cosette)
Valjean's Confession
The Wedding Chorale
Beggars at the Feast
Valjean's Death
Finale

= All or Almost All of Song Included

= Part of Song Included

= Song Not Included

External links

• The story in short, pictures and some of the lyrics on the official site
• Videos from the official site
• Some songs from the Complete Symphonic Recording on the official site
• Synopsis in French (Wikipedia)