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11.30.2010

Les Mis Love

"At the end of the day you're another day colder, and the shirt on you back doesn't keep out the chill. And the righteous hurry past, they don't hear the little ones crying, and the winter is coming on fast, ready to kill.
One day nearer to dying."

Les Misérables. Translated roughly to mean "The Miserable People". It's a book, a Broadway production and a movie. Here's the synopsis:

"Les Misérables (literally "The Miserable Ones"; usually pronounced /leɪ ˌmɪzəˈrɑːbl/; French pronunciation: [le mizeʁabl(ə)]), 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 19th century. It follows the lives and interactions of several French characters over a seventeen-year period in the early 19th century, starting in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion.[1]
The novel focuses on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption. It examines the nature of law and grace, and expounds upon the history of France, architecture of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. The story is historical fiction because it contains factual and historic events.
Les Misérables is known to many through its numerous stage and screen adaptations, most notably the stage musical of the same name, sometimes abbreviated "Les Mis" (pronounced /leɪ ˈmɪz/)."
source:wikipedia

"I dreamed a dream in time gone by, when hopes were high and life worth living. I dreamed that love would never die, I dreamed that God would be forgiving. Then I was young and unafraid, and dreams were made and used and wasted. There was no ransom to be paid, no song unsung, no wine untasted."

Pretty miserable huh? But it's a great story and I know a one other blogger, Laurea, who particularly loves it. We sang a medley of Les Mis  songs in the chorus at band camp too, many of which are quoted here. The best part of Les Mis is DEFINITELY the music.

"I know a place where no one's lost. I know a place where no one cries. Crying at all is not allowed. Not in my castle on a cloud."

But WHY am I going on and on about the awesomeness of Les Mis? Well, every year, my high school puts on a simply amazing musical in February. Really. It's incredible EVERY SINGLE YEAR. And this year's show? I bet you can't guess...that's right. Les Mis! :)

"Will you join in our crusade, who will be strong and stand with me? Beyond the barricade, is there a world you long to see? Then join in the fight that will give you the right to be free!"  

No, I'm not acting. But I am.....IN THE PIT BAND!!!!! I found out I made it playing trumpet today which makes me very happy. Our first practice is on Friday and we'll get music and stuff and start rehearsing. Pit requires a lot of perfect timing so I'll have to make sure never to zone out. ;)

"God on high, hear my prayer. In my need, you have always been there. You can take, you can give, let him be, let him live. 
If I die, let me die.
Let him live, bring him home.
Bring him home"

Finally, I've whipped up a short playlist of my five favorite Les Mis songs that are also quoted here for you to listen to. In order of appearance in this post: At the End of the Day
I Dreamed A Dream
Castle On A Cloud
Do You Hear the People Sing?
Bring Him Home



Get a playlist! Standalone player Get Ringtones

4 comments:

Lucy said...

Les Miserables :) at least it ends kind of happy-ish. I will never get tired of playing "Do You Hear The People Sing?" on my trombone.

[Lauren] said...

fkdgffjfhagjffs LOVE. LOVELOVELOVE. LOVE^10.

xD I like Les Mis. You should read the book if you have 3 good months to spare. I did. :)

But dkfkdhfd the musical. *drools* Wow, I'm cool. :) I can't even have a fave song. I love all of them equally except "Dog Eats Dog" which I absolutely *hate* and there are some I think are just okay.

Oh and is it unhealthy if I know every word to every song? Pssh, no. xD

Peace,
[Laurea]

P.S. Ask your band director if they have room for one more flute player from New Jersey! :)

Hayley said...

Oh how cool! :)

Annie (larkin) said...

This post completely satisfied my obsession with Les Mis. I'm singing a medley of seven songs from the musical in choir, and it is heaven! Thanks for the playlist too!

In Christ,
Larkin