Songs from Les Misérables
Encyclopedia
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 nineteenth 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 twenty-first anniversary and became the longest-running West End musical in history. The show has since found further 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, no recording contains the entire performance of songs, score and spoken parts as featured on stage; The Complete Symphonic Recording comes closest, but a pair of songs that were cut from the show following the initial London run, as well as one song only present in the Original French Concept Album, are not included.
The characters who sing solos or duets are:
Act I
Act II
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.
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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.
Some notable relations include:
Other uses
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. It is rather slow-paced, and shares a melody with Valjean's solo in "One Day More".
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, with the lead alternating.
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for the part of young Cosette
. She sings about a castle where she does not have to sweep floors and a lady all in white looks after her.
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. It introduces the Thénardiers and the crooked way that they operate their inn.
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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.
Do You Hear The People Sing is the theme song of the Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union club.
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.
During the 2011 Protests in Wisconsin against Governor Scott Walker's Budget Repair Bill, "Do You Hear the People Sing" was performed as part of a pro-union movement in the Capitol Rotunda.
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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.
Each character sings his/her part to a different melody at the same time (counterpoint
), before joining for the final chorus:
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 supporters during his successful 2008 election
campaign. It was also used as a finale to the 25th Anniversary concert of Les Miserables
at the O2
, sung by the OLC with Ramin Karimloo
singing the part of Enjolras
.
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of the musical and features a medley
of select songs from the first act. It is often cut out of recordings.
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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.
Other uses
"On My Own" has appeared in many famous events outside of Les Misérables, for example:
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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 halved to its current length.
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's death. It features Marius
and Éponine, the eldest daughter of the Thénardiers, as she tells him that she loves him. He stays there with her as she dies in his arms.
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Both French versions use poetry from the book, where it is said to be written by Jean Prouvaire.
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sung by the character Marius
near the end of the show. Part of it is to the tune of "The Bishop of Digne".
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= All or Almost All of Song Included
= Part of Song Included
= Song Excluded
° NOTE: While the cuts in the Student Edition appear significant, most are small edits that don't remove more than a verse or a few measures.
Les Misérables (musical)
Les Misérables , colloquially known as Les Mis or Les Miz , is a musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg, based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo....
, colloquially known as Les Mis, is one of the most famous and most performed musicals worldwide. It is based on the novel Les Misérables
Les Misérables
Les Misérables , translated variously from the French as The Miserable Ones, The Wretched, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, or The Victims), is an 1862 French novel by author Victor Hugo and is widely considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century...
by Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo
Victor-Marie Hugo was a Frenchpoet, playwright, novelist, essayist, visual artist, statesman, human rights activist and exponent of the Romantic movement in France....
, which follows the struggles of a cast of characters as they seek redemption and revolution in nineteenth century France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. French composer Claude-Michel Schönberg
Claude-Michel Schönberg
Claude-Michel Schönberg is a French record producer, actor, singer, songwriter, and musical theatre composer, best known for his collaborations with the lyricist Alain Boublil.These include the musicals:...
composed the Tony Award
Tony Award
The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway...
-winning score in 1980, with a libretto by Alain Boublil
Alain Boublil
Alain Boublil is a musical theatre lyricist and librettist, best known for his collaborations with the composer Claude-Michel Schönberg for musicals on Broadway and London's West End...
. It was staged in London's West End
West End theatre
West End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London's 'Theatreland', the West End. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English speaking...
in 1985, with English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Herbert Kretzmer
Herbert Kretzmer OBE is a South African-born English journalist and lyric writer. He is perhaps best known as the lyricist for the English-language musical adaptation of Les Misérables.-Journalist:...
. On October 8, 2006, the show celebrated its twenty-first anniversary and became the longest-running West End musical in history. The show has since found further success on Broadway
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
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, no recording contains the entire performance of songs, score and spoken parts as featured on stage; The Complete Symphonic Recording comes closest, but a pair of songs that were cut from the show following the initial London run, as well as one song only present in the Original French Concept Album, are not included.
The characters who sing solos or duets are:
- Jean ValjeanJean ValjeanJean Valjean is the protagonist of Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables...
, a paroled convict, prisoner 24601, and the protagonist. Failing to find work with his yellow parole note and redeemed by the Bishop of Digne's mercy, he tears his passport up and conceals his identity (under the alias "Monsieur Madeleine") in order to live his life again as an honest man. However, Javert constantly pursues him; - FantineFantineFantine is a character in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables.- Backstory :"Fantine was one of those beings which are brought forth from the heart of the people... She was called Fantine because she had never been known by any other name...""All four were ravishingly beautiful. As to Fantine,...
, a single mother who is forced into prostitution in order to pay for her child's well-being; - JavertJavertJavert is a fictional character from the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. He is a prison guard, and later policeman, who devotes his life to the law. He is always referred to just simply as "Javert" or "Inspector Javert" by the narrator and other characters throughout the novel; his first name...
, a police inspector, originally a prison-guard, who becomes obsessed with hunting down Valjean to whom he refers as "Prisoner 24601"; - ÉponineÉponineÉponine Thénardier is a fictional character in the 1862 novelLes Misérables by Victor Hugo.- Éponine in the novel :As children, Éponine and her younger sister Azelma are described as pretty, well-dressed, charming and a delight to see. They are pampered and spoiled by their parents the Thénardiers...
, the young, caring daughter of the sinister Thénardiers who secretly loves Marius; - CosetteCosetteEuphrasie "Cosette" Fauchelevant is a fictional character in the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.- Cosette in the novel :...
, Fantine's daughter, who is abused and mistreated by the Thénardiers but whom Valjean later adopts—she soon grows into a young woman; - Marius PontmercyMarius PontmercyMarius Pontmercy is a principal fictional character in Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel Les Misérables. He is young, intense, and in love with Cosette. He fights at the barricades with Enjolras and the Friends of the ABC when %C3%89ponine tricks him into going to the barricade and he resolves to die...
, a French student and revolutionary who falls in love with Cosette; - Monsieur and Madame ThénardierThénardiersThe Thénardiers, commonly known as Thénardier and Madame Thénardier , are two of the primary villains in Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables and the stage musical of the same name...
, a crooked couple who own an inn and exploit their customers. They later become a feared band of thieves in the streets of Paris; - EnjolrasEnjolrasEnjolras is the charismatic leader of the Friends of the ABC in the 1862 novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.- The Friends of the ABC :...
, leader of the student revolutionaries who seek to free the oppressed lower class of France; - GavrocheGavrocheGavroche is a fictional character from the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.-Gavroche in the novel:Gavroche is the eldest son of M. and Mme Thénardier. He has two sisters, Éponine and Azelma, and two unnamed younger brothers. He is also technically unnamed; the reader is told he chooses the...
, a hotheaded 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. - Grantaire, Grantaire is a revolutionary who worships Enjolras and often gets drunk. He tragically dies at the barricades.
Act I
- Overture – Orchestra
- Prologue: Work Song – Chain Gang, Javert, and Valjean
- Prologue: On Parole – Valjean, Farmer, Labourer, Innkeeper’s Wife, and Innkeeper
- Prologue: Valjean Arrested / Valjean Forgiven – Constables and Bishop
- Prologue: What Have I Done? – Valjean
- At the End of the Day – Fantine, The Poor, Foreman, Workers, Factory Girls, and Valjean
- I Dreamed a Dream – Fantine
- Lovely Ladies – Fantine, Sailors, Whores, Old Woman, Crone, and Pimp
- Fantine’s Arrest – Fantine, Bamatabois, Javert, and Valjean
- The Runaway Cart – Onlookers, Valjean, Fauchelevent, and Javert
- Who Am I? – Valjean
- Fantine’s Death – Fantine and Valjean
- The Confrontation – Javert and Valjean
- Castle on a Cloud – Young Cosette and Madame Thénardier
- Master of the House – Thénardier, Madame Thénardier, and Chorus
- The Bargain / The Thénardier Waltz of Treachery – Thénardier, Valjean, Madame Thénardier, and Young Cosette
- Look Down – Beggars, Gavroche, Old Woman, Prostitute, Pimp, Enjolras, and Marius
- The Robbery / Javert’s Intervention – Thénardier, Madame Thénardier, Éponine, Marius, Valjean, and Javert
- Stars – Javert and Gavroche
- Éponine’s Errand – Marius and Éponine
- The ABC Café / Red and Black – Students, Enjolras, Marius, Grantaire, and Gavroche
- Do You Hear the People Sing? – Enjolras, Grantaire, Students, and Beggars
- I Saw Him Once – Cosette
- In My Life – Cosette, Valjean, Marius, and Éponine
- A Heart Full of Love – Marius, Cosette, and Éponine
- The Attack on Rue Plumet – Thénardier, Thieves, Éponine, Marius, Valjean, and Cosette
- One Day More – Valjean, Marius, Cosette, Éponine, Enjolras, Javert, Thénardier, Madame Thénardier, and Company
Act II
- At the Barricade (Upon These Stones) – Enjolras, Javert, Marius, Éponine, and Valjean
- On My Own – Éponine
- Building the Barricade (Upon These Stones) – Enjolras, Students, and Army Officer
- Javert’s Arrival – Javert and Enjolras
- Little People – Gavroche, Students, Enjolras, and Javert
- A Little Fall of Rain – Éponine and Marius
- Night of Anguish – Enjolras, Valjean, and Students
- The First Attack – Enjolras, Grantaire, Students, Valjean, and Javert
- Drink with Me – Grantaire, Students, Women, and Marius
- Bring Him Home – Valjean
- Dawn of Anguish – Enjolras and Students
- The Second Attack (Death of Gavroche) – Enjolras, Marius, Valjean, Grantaire, Gavroche, and Students
- The Final Battle – Army Officer, Grantaire, Enjolras, and Students
- The Sewers – Orchestra
- Dog Eats Dog (The Sewers) – Thénardier
- Javert’s Suicide – Valjean and Javert
- Turning – Women of Paris
- Empty Chairs at Empty Tables – Marius
- Every Day (Marius and Cosette) – Cosette and Marius
- A Heart Full of Love (Reprise) – Cosette, Marius, and Valjean
- Valjean’s Confession – Valjean and Marius
- Wedding Chorale – Guests, Thénardier, Marius, and Madame Thénardier
- Beggars at the Feast – Thénardier and Madame Thénardier
- Valjean’s Death – Valjean, Fantine, Cosette, Marius, and Éponine
- Finale – Full Company
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.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".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.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’évêque 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 ValjeanJean Valjean
Jean Valjean is the protagonist of Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables...
.
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?).
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.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 soloSolo (music)
In music, a solo is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer...
sung by Fantine
Fantine
Fantine is a character in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables.- Backstory :"Fantine was one of those beings which are brought forth from the heart of the people... She was called Fantine because she had never been known by any other name...""All four were ravishingly beautiful. As to 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.
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 MariusMarius PontmercyMarius Pontmercy is a principal fictional character in Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel Les Misérables. He is young, intense, and in love with Cosette. He fights at the barricades with Enjolras and the Friends of the ABC when %C3%89ponine tricks him into going to the barricade and he resolves to die...
, 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
- GleeGlee (TV series)Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States, and on GlobalTV in Canada. It focuses on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues...
's character Rachel BerryRachel Berry (Glee)Rachel Berry is a fictional character and de facto female lead from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Lea Michele, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Rachel was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad...
and Shelby Corcoran (portrayed by Lea MicheleLea MicheleLea Michele Sarfati , known professionally as Lea Michele, is an American actress and singer. Michele began working professionally as a child actress on Broadway in productions such as Ragtime and Les Misérables. She originated the role of Wendla in the musical Spring Awakening and currently plays...
and Idina MenzelIdina MenzelIdina Kim Menzel is an American actress, singer and songwriter. She is widely known for originating the roles of Maureen in Rent and Elphaba in Wicked.-Early life:...
, respectively made a coveredCover versionIn popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
version of this song - Many singers have coveredCover versionIn popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
this song, including Neil DiamondNeil DiamondNeil Leslie Diamond is an American singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades from the 1960s until the present....
(from his 1987 live album Hot August Night 2Hot August Night 2Hot August Night II is a live album by Neil Diamond. This is a follow up to Diamond's 1972 double album Hot August Night, which is also a live album.-Track listing:# Song Of The Whales # Headed For The Future# September Morn...
) and Aretha FranklinAretha FranklinAretha Louise Franklin is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings and referred to as The Queen of Soul, Franklin is also adept at jazz, blues, R&B, gospel music, and rock. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All...
(from her 1991 album What You See Is What You Sweat). Franklin also performed this song for U.S. President Bill ClintonBill ClintonWilliam Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
on the evening of the day that he was inauguratedPresidential InaugurationA Presidential Inauguration is a formal ceremony to mark the beginning of a leader's term of office. To see detailed information on specific presidents, see the links below:* Brazilian presidential inauguration* Croatian presidential inauguration...
. - A rendition of this song was performed in 2009 by Scottish church volunteer Susan BoyleSusan BoyleSusan Magdalane Boyle is a Scottish singer who came to international public attention when she appeared as a contestant on the TV programme Britain's Got Talent on 11 April 2009, singing "I Dreamed a Dream" from ...
for her audition on the third season of the ITVITVITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
programme Britain's Got TalentBritain's Got TalentBritain's Got Talent is a British television talent show competition which started in June 2007 and originated from the Got Talent series. The show is produced by FremantleMedia's TalkbackThames and Simon Cowell's production company SYCOtv. The show is broadcast on ITV in Britain and TV3 in Ireland...
. 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 LuPonePatti LuPonePatti Ann LuPone is an American singer and actress, known for her Tony Award-winning performances as Eva Perón in the 1979 stage musical Evita and as Madame Rose in the 2008 Broadway revival of Gypsy, and for her Olivier Award-winning performance as Fantine in the original London cast of Les...
's 1985 recording to enter the UK Singles ChartUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
, peaking at forty-five with 4,987 digital downloadMusic downloadA music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment...
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.French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song did not appear on the recording, but was a part of the stage show as a song known as La nuit (The Night), which features similar events as the scene where Fantine sells her hair in Les beaux cheveux que voilà (The Beautiful Hair That is There). A shortened version of this song was added at the end of J'avais rêvé d'une autre vie (I Dreamed of Another Life), which features the same melody as the final and slower section of Lovely Ladies.
- 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".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.French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song did not appear on the recording, but was a part of the stage show in slightly longer form.
- 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 ValjeanJean Valjean
Jean Valjean is the protagonist of Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables...
. It is rather slow-paced, and shares a melody with Valjean's solo in "One Day More".
French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song did not appear on the recording, but was a part of the stage show. It includes an additional stanza, in which Valjean shortly reveals his past, since the concept version did not contain the Prologue.
- 1991 Parisian Revival Version — This song is known as Le procès: comment faire? (The Trial – What to Do?).
Fantine's Death (Come to Me)
Fantine's Death, also known as Come to Me, 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".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 counterpointCounterpoint
In music, counterpoint is the relationship between two or more voices that are independent in contour and rhythm and are harmonically interdependent . It has been most commonly identified in classical music, developing strongly during the Renaissance and in much of the common practice period,...
, with the lead alternating.
French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song did not appear. In the stage show, a doctor shortly informed Valjean of Fantine's death and Valjean asked three days to fetch Cosette, which Javert refuses. The music was entirely different, but finished in the same instrumental climax that is still used.
- 1991 Parisian Revival Version — This song is known as La confrontation (The Confrontation).
Castle on a Cloud
Castle on a Cloud is a soloSolo (music)
In music, a solo is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer...
for the part of young Cosette
Cosette
Euphrasie "Cosette" Fauchelevant is a fictional character in the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.- Cosette in the novel :...
. She sings about a castle where she does not have to sweep floors and a lady all in white looks after her.
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 reliefComic relief
Comic relief is the inclusion of a humorous character, scene or witty dialogue in an otherwise serious work, often to relieve tension.-Definition:...
. It introduces the Thénardiers and the crooked way that they operate their inn.
French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song is known as La devise du cabaretier (The Innkeeper's Motto).
- 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.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 best-known songs from the musical as its theme is repeated throughout. The song comes after "Stars" in the Original London Recording.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. 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. Thénardier attempts to rob Jean Valjean, whereupon realizing Valjean is the one "who borrowed Cosette," a brawl breaks out. Eponine cries out as Javert arrives on the scene, but with Javert not recognizing Valjean, the latter escapes. Thénardier convinces Javert to let him go and pursue Valjean instead.French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song appeared at the end of Donnez, donnez (Give, give) on the recording, but also existed in the stage show.
- 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.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 an important scene in the show in which Marius asks Éponine to discover where Cosette lives and then take him to her. It is clear that Éponine is hesitant to encourage the brewing romance between Marius and Cosette, but because of her love for Marius, she cooperates. The first part follows the same melody as L'un vers l'autre, a solo for Éponine that appeared on the original concept album but did not make it to the current version. This tune appears throughout the show.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.French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version These songs are known as Rouge et noir (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. Instrumentally, the theme is also prominent in the battle scenes.Other uses
The song was played during television coverage of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989
Tiananmen Square protests of 1989
The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, also known as the June Fourth Incident in Chinese , were a series of demonstrations in and near Tiananmen Square in Beijing in the People's Republic of China beginning on 15 April 1989...
. The video made using the song was made by Tom Hansen, an editor at KPRC-TV located in Houston, Texas.
Do You Hear The People Sing is the theme song of the Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union club.
At the special Les Misérables 10th Anniversary Concert
Les Misérables - The Dream Cast in Concert
Les Misérables: The Dream Cast in Concert a.k.a. Les Misérables in Concert is a concert version of the musical Les Misérables, produced to celebrate its 10th anniversary. It was filmed in October 1995 at the Royal Albert Hall and released on DVD, VHS and LD in 1998 and re-released on DVD in North...
in 1995, "Do You Hear the People Sing?" was sung as an encore
Encore (concert)
An encore is an additional performance added to the end of a concert, from the French "encore", which means "again", "some more"; multiple encores are not uncommon. Encores originated spontaneously, when audiences would continue to applaud and demand additional performance from the artist after the...
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.
During the 2011 Protests in Wisconsin against Governor Scott Walker's Budget Repair Bill, "Do You Hear the People Sing" was performed as part of a pro-union movement in the Capitol Rotunda.
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", (Te souviens-tu du premier jour ? in the original 1980 French production) cut out of all other recordings.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".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.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". It is sung solo by Éponine and warns Marius about the planned break-in. The second part did not figure on the recording, but was used as a purely instrumental piece in the stage show.
- 1991 Parisian Revival Version — This song is known as (The Break-In of Rue Plumet).
One Day More
One Day More is a choral piece: all of the main characters (except for Fantine and The Bishop - both of whom are dead) sing in it in a counterpointCounterpoint
In music, counterpoint is the relationship between two or more voices that are independent in contour and rhythm and are harmonically interdependent . It has been most commonly identified in classical music, developing strongly during the Renaissance and in much of the common practice period,...
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.
Each character sings his/her part to a different melody at the same time (counterpoint
Counterpoint
In music, counterpoint is the relationship between two or more voices that are independent in contour and rhythm and are harmonically interdependent . It has been most commonly identified in classical music, developing strongly during the Renaissance and in much of the common practice period,...
), 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 Éponine's 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. (E♭ 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 revolutionaries 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
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
in his successful 1992 campaign
United States presidential election, 1992
The United States presidential election of 1992 had three major candidates: Incumbent Republican President George Bush; Democratic Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, and independent Texas businessman Ross Perot....
for the presidency of the United States. Another version was used by Barack Obama supporters during his successful 2008 election
United States presidential election, 2008
The United States presidential election of 2008 was the 56th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on November 4, 2008. Democrat Barack Obama, then the junior United States Senator from Illinois, defeated Republican John McCain, the senior U.S. Senator from Arizona. Obama received 365...
campaign. It was also used as a finale to the 25th Anniversary concert of Les Miserables
Les Misérables
Les Misérables , translated variously from the French as The Miserable Ones, The Wretched, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, or The Victims), is an 1862 French novel by author Victor Hugo and is widely considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century...
at the O2
O2
O2, o2, O2, or O2 may refer to:- Companies :* O2 Global Network, an international network for sustainable design* O2TV, a Russian independent socially-political TV channel...
, sung by the OLC with Ramin Karimloo
Ramin Karimloo
Ramin Karimloo is an Iranian-born Canadian musical theatre actor, recognized chiefly for his work in London's West End. He has played the leading male roles in both of the West End’s longest running musicals; the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, as of 29th...
singing the part of Enjolras
Enjolras
Enjolras is the charismatic leader of the Friends of the ABC in the 1862 novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.- The Friends of the ABC :...
.
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).
At the Barricade (Upon These Stones)
At the Barricade, also called Upon These Stones is the entr'acteEntr'acte
' is French for "between the acts" . It can mean a pause between two parts of a stage production, synonymous to an intermission, but it more often indicates a piece of music performed between acts of a theatrical production...
of the musical and features a medley
Medley (music)
In music, a medley is a piece composed from parts of existing pieces, usually three, played one after another, sometimes overlapping. They are common in popular music, and most medleys are songs rather than instrumental. A medley which is a remixed series is called a megamix, often done with tracks...
of select songs from the first act. It is often cut out of recordings.
French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song did not appear on the recording, but was present in the stage show.
- 1991 Parisian Revival Version — This song is known as La première barricade (The First Barricade). The section where Éponine delivers the letter to Valjean is cut.
On My Own
On My Own is a soloSolo (music)
In music, a solo is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer...
for the part of Éponine
Éponine
Éponine Thénardier is a fictional character in the 1862 novelLes Misérables by Victor Hugo.- Éponine in the novel :As children, Éponine and her younger sister Azelma are described as pretty, well-dressed, charming and a delight to see. They are pampered and spoiled by their parents the Thénardiers...
. The chorus of the song is the same tune as that of "Come to Me", although it adds a bridge
Bridge (music)
In music, especially western popular music, a bridge is a contrasting section which also prepares for the return of the original material section...
and the tune of the verses are different. Beginning in the key of D, modulating
Modulation (music)
In music, modulation is most commonly the act or process of changing from one key to another. This may or may not be accompanied by a change in key signature. Modulations articulate or create the structure or form of many pieces, as well as add interest...
to Bb (even though the song does not actually change key), then ending in F, this is her most important song.
Other uses
"On My Own" has appeared in many famous events outside of Les Misérables, for example:
- Michelle KwanMichelle KwanMichelle Wingshan Kwan is an American figure skater. She is a two-time Olympic medalist, a five-time World champion and a nine-time U.S...
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 CreekDawson's CreekDawson's Creek is an American teen drama television series which debuted on January 20, 1998, on The WB Television Network and was produced by Sony Pictures Television. The show is set in the fictional seaside town of Capeside, Massachusetts, and in Boston, Massachusetts, during the later seasons...
, played by Katie HolmesKatie HolmesKatherine Noelle "Katie" Holmes is an American actress who first achieved fame for her role as Joey Potter on The WB television teen drama Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2003. Her movie roles have included the blockbuster Batman Begins along with art house films such as The Ice Storm and thrillers...
, sings this song at a talent show phase of a beauty pageant in Episode #1–11 "Pretty Woman," also known as "Beauty Contest." - The character of Rachel BerryRachel Berry (Glee)Rachel Berry is a fictional character and de facto female lead from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Lea Michele, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Rachel was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad...
in GleeGlee (TV series)Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States, and on GlobalTV in Canada. It focuses on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues...
, played by Lea MicheleLea MicheleLea Michele Sarfati , known professionally as Lea Michele, is an American actress and singer. Michele began working professionally as a child actress on Broadway in productions such as Ragtime and Les Misérables. She originated the role of Wendla in the musical Spring Awakening and currently plays...
(who played Eponine at the Hollywood Bowl production of Les Mis), sang this song as an audition to join the Glee Club in the pilot episodePilot (Glee)"Pilot" is the pilot episode of the television series Glee, which premiered on the Fox network on May 19, 2009. An extended director's cut version aired on September 2, 2009. The show focuses on a high school show choir, also known as a glee club, set within the fictional William McKinley High...
. Michele's version has been released as a digital downloadMusic downloadA music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment...
singleSingle (music)In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
. - In 1987, Yolandita MongeYolandita MongeYolandita Monge is an international singer and actress from Puerto Rico and the first Puerto Rican female singer to be nominated to the Grammy Music Awards. She is also Puerto Rico's highest selling female artist. She has been in the music business since adolescence, and has recorded over thirty...
created a Spanish version called Yo Solo.
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 (Upon These Stones)
Building the Barricade, also called Upon These Stones (Reprise), and Back at the Barricade.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.French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song did not appear on the recording, but was a part of the stage show in similar form.
- 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.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 halved 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 that Victor 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 is the fault of...).
A Little Fall of Rain
A Little Fall of Rain is the number of ÉponineÉponine
Éponine Thénardier is a fictional character in the 1862 novelLes Misérables by Victor Hugo.- Éponine in the novel :As children, Éponine and her younger sister Azelma are described as pretty, well-dressed, charming and a delight to see. They are pampered and spoiled by their parents the Thénardiers...
's death. It features Marius
Marius Pontmercy
Marius Pontmercy is a principal fictional character in Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel Les Misérables. He is young, intense, and in love with Cosette. He fights at the barricades with Enjolras and the Friends of the ABC when %C3%89ponine tricks him into going to the barricade and he resolves to die...
and Éponine, the eldest daughter of the Thénardiers, as she tells him that she loves him. He stays there with her as she dies in his arms.
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. The exact definition of this song and the following are hazy – sometimes the few lines following Éponine's death are named "Night of Anguish", sometimes it is the scene directly after the first attack that includes the dialogue between Valjean and Javert, that receives this name.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 on the concept recording, 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. Depending on the definition of the song, it includes the scene in which Valjean sets Javert free. This scene, even though musically relatively uninteresting, is very important for the plot.French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song is known as L'aube du 6 juin (Dawn of June 6) on the recording, but was revised for the stage show into musical sections still present in the English version.
- 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.French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — One stanza of it can be found in the song La nuit de l'angoisse (The 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 Jean Prouvaire.
Bring Him Home
Bring Him Home is probably Valjean's best known solo. He is begging for God to send Marius home to him and Cosette. In the documentary for the 25th Anniversary Concert, it was revealed that the song was mainly written for OLC's Valjean; Colm Wilkinson.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.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. James Fenton had written another song for Gavroche's death, called "Ten Little Bullets", on the melody of Gavroche's solo in "Look Down". The song did not make it past recordings, probably not even there. Only the Broadway Revival version restarted using it in 2006.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 anymore. 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.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. It is about Thénardier robbing the dead bodies from the battle at the barricades.French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song did not appear.
- 1991 Parisian Revival Version — This song is known as Fureurs cannibales (Cannibal Frenzy).
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". It is preceded by a repeat of the beginning of "The Confrontation", in which Valjean asks Javert for one hour to bring Marius to a hospital, a request to which Javert, this time, agrees.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 and is to the tune of "Lovely Ladies." It is also the only song in the entire musical not sung by any major character.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 at Empty Tables
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables is a soloSolo (music)
In music, a solo is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer...
sung by the character Marius
Marius Pontmercy
Marius Pontmercy is a principal fictional character in Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel Les Misérables. He is young, intense, and in love with Cosette. He fights at the barricades with Enjolras and the Friends of the ABC when %C3%89ponine tricks him into going to the barricade and he resolves to die...
near the end of the show. Part of it is to the tune of "The Bishop of Digne".
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).French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song did not appear, but identical music sections were present in a former exchange between Marius and the Gillenormands in the stage show.
- 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.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.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 révélation (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, in which they proclaim how through their treacherous ways they always manage to come out on top before waving the audience goodbye with the mocking line "When we're rich as Creosus, Jesus, won't we see you all in hell". It can be considered as a reprise of "Master of the House".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).
Valjean's Death
Valjean's Death is the penultimate (or last, depending on the song organization) musical number in "Les Misérables". This and the "Finale", into which it flows without pause, are sometimes counted as one song. The combination is often known as "The Epilogue" (as the musical also has a Prologue). Fantine and Éponine come to welcome him into salvation.French Versions
- 1980 Original French Version — This song is known as Épilogue: 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.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 | School Edition° |
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| Overture / Work Song | |
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| On Parole | |
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| Valjean Arrested, Valjean Forgiven | |
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| Valjean's Soliloquy (What Have I Done?) | |
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| At the End of the Day | |
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| I Dreamed a Dream | |
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| Lovely Ladies | |
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| Fantine's Arrest | |
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| The Runaway Cart | |
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| Who Am I? – The Trial | |
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| Come to Me (Fantine's Death) | |
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| The Confrontation | |
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| Castle on a Cloud | |
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| Master of the House | |
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| The Bargain | |
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| The Waltz of Treachery | |
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| Look Down | |
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| The Robbery | |
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| Javert's Intervention | |
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| Stars | |
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| Little People (Original, Former) | |
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| Eponine's Errand | |
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| The ABC Café / Red and Black | |
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| Do You Hear the People Sing? | |
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| I Saw Him Once | |
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| In My Life | |
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| A Heart Full of Love | |
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| The Attack on Rue Plumet | |
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| One Day More | |
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| At the Barricade (Upon These Stones) | |
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| On My Own | |
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| Building the Barricade | |
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| Javert's Arrival | |
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| Little People | |
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| A Little Fall of Rain | |
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| Night of Anguish | |
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| The First Attack | |
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| Drink With Me | |
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| Bring Him Home | |
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| Dawn of Anguish | |
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| The Second Attack (Death of Gavroche) | |
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| The Final Battle | |
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| The Sewers | |
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| Dog Eats Dog | |
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| Javert's Suicide | |
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| Turning | |
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| Empty Chairs at Empty Tables | |
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| Marius et Monsieur Gillenormand ("Marius and Mister Gillenormand") | |
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| Every Day (Marius and Cosette) | |
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| Valjean's Confession | |
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| The Wedding Chorale | |
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| Beggars at the Feast | |
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| Valjean's Death | |
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| Finale | |
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° NOTE: While the cuts in the Student Edition appear significant, most are small edits that don't remove more than a verse or a few measures.