- Les Misérables is based on Victor Hugo's 1862 novel of the same name. The novel itself was heavily influenced by the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion, individualism, and the power of the imagination.
- During the Romantic period, music and poetry were closely intertwined, and many poems were written to be sung. Hugo himself was a talented poet and lyricist, and he infused his novel with many lyrical passages that were meant to be sung.
2. Emotional Impact:
- Music has the power to evoke emotions and create a visceral connection with the audience.
- By setting the entire story to music, Les Misérables is able to convey the characters' innermost thoughts and feelings in a way that would be difficult to achieve with spoken dialogue alone.
3. Storytelling Through Song:
- The songs in Les Misérables serve as a narrative device, moving the story forward and providing insights into the characters' motivations and conflicts.
- The use of music allows the show to tell a complex and multi-layered story in a concise and engaging manner.
- Each song contributes to the overall tapestry of the narrative, creating a powerful emotional impact on the audience.
4. Catharsis and Shared Experience:
- The act of singing together can create a sense of community and catharsis among the audience.
- When watching a performance of Les Misérables, the audience becomes part of the collective experience, sharing in the emotions of the characters and the universal themes of the story.
5. Artistic Choice and Composer's Vision:
- Ultimately, the decision to make Les Misérables an all-singing musical was an artistic choice made by the composer, Claude-Michel Schönberg, and the librettist, Alain Boublil.
- They believed that the story could best be told through the medium of music and that the songs would enhance the emotional impact and the overall theatrical experience.
In summary, the decision to make Les Misérables an all-singing musical is rooted in the influence of the Romantic movement, the emotional power of music, the effectiveness of storytelling through song, and the artistic vision of the composer and librettist.