everyone is upset over the fact that marius always smiles during this song, but i think he is trying to give eponine reassurance that everything will be okay, even though they both know that she is dying. i also think marius really did care about her a lot, but not in the way that eponine wanted him to.
marley green One of the main differences between the book and musical is that in the musical Marius was a really close friend to Eponine. While in the book Marius didn't really care for her. He was polite to her but he wasn't close to her.
right lol, i'm speaking in terms of the musical. also, my opinions about their relationship have changed since a year ago so i don't necessarily stick with 100% of what i said
I agree. It's not that Marius should have been with Eponine (that would kind of ruin the strength of Eponine's character), but I always felt Marius and Cosette were a very unbelievable and unsatisfying couple. There was nothing beyond just mystically "being in love", no evidence of them actually LIVING together.
I always found Marius and Cosettes love a little shallow and empty. Real love hurts as much as it helps, sometimes more. Though I guess Victor Hugo was presenting the hope of France coming through youth and arrogance and the pain of harsh realities to a hope of uncomplicated happiness.
Here's why I like this version instead of the 25th one: Despite it being a concert, Lea and Michael are still acting. The way he has his arms around her and how she occasionally glances back at him while singing. It's just so heartbreaking!
Agreed. You'd swear with the emotion in their faces that these two actors had something between them backstage (none that I'm aware of). It's incredible for what is essentially a musical concert. They brought full blown acting into it.
@@VuLamDang Sadly Nick Jonas was out-sung by everyone else on that stage. Most of the time he looked and sounded as if he was in pain and when he sang this song he seemed more concerned with getting through it than relating to Samantha's Eponine. Watch Michael and Lea to see real acting and hear singing sent from heaven.
What I really love in Lea's version is that she actually sings the lower notes. They're really hard to sing and many Eponines just use the fact that she's dying to avoid singing them fully... She really sings them and still makes it believeable.
What sells this version to me is not only the superb vocal and acting talent of Lea Salonga but how Michael Ball acts. In many musical performances Marius seems so indifferent to Eponine dying but here he is trying to reassure her, to keep her safe and warm and you can see the sadness in his eyes. That just makes it perfect as they are supposed to be good friends in the musical and holding his dying friend in his arms should elicit some kind of emotion and when he feels them it just makes this song a hundred times stronger. And mind you - this was a concert and still their acting is top notch!
@@devynandyafadly7451 excuse me?? I'm french, I hear about it since primary school and I read it in high school. He leaves her right after the kiss and only cares about Cosette's letter, thanks.
That's disappointing about the book. I think this song is the most heartbreaking in versions when Marius finally "gets it"--that Eponine has always been in love with him. He lets Eponine have her fantasy and she finally gets the love and attention she has wanted from Marius; it only takes her losing her life to get it.
You really can't compare Samantha's and Lea's versions. Film and Broadway are so different. In the film, Samantha's voice is intentionally weaker because she has to act like she's dying; she had to make it realistic. But you can't do that on Broadway: if you do, no one can hear you. So of course Lea's version is stronger.
And the small detail that Lea Salonga is one of the greatest singers of all time in any genre and Samantha Barks like nearly all others was doomed to an unfair comparison before she was even cast. She’s a fine singer in her own right, but any comparison to greatness is a fool’s errand.
If Frances (original singer) is the best why did the directors/creators choose Lea for the 10th anniversary “dream cast”. Answer: They preferred Lea and their opinion matters more to me .
She got the voice, power and talent couldn't agree more with u. but i think Samanta Barks also did a good job played Eponine to actually follow Lea standard. im glad T Swift never get Eponine role or this character will be forever ruined LOL
There are many singers who can do this *much* better than her. Can't you see her over-acting? Can't you hear her over-enuciation and American accent? Did you miss the part where she belts out "heaven sent" when she's supposed to be dying? Don't allow your musical judgement be clouded by her big tits.
oh my...i'm crying again... lea's role were all so tragic..why??? she killed herself in miss saigon.. died in marius arms in les miz.. died again as fantine in 25th. my heart is bleeding...enough of watching
Listen to Lea's flawless belt at "The rain that brings you hear, is heaven blessed". She blasts "blessed" with vocal purity. Wow, listening through speakers or on headphones the quality is stunning. And, her near vocal perfection and Vibrato. No one sings this like she does.
The original cast beats it by miles i.e. Frances Ruffelle and Michael Ball. Salonga should stick to Disney films where we can't see her awful over-acting.
Your type loves the internet because it gives you your only chance to talk tough and insult someone without having to face any risk. "Dont know you are saying." - Too stupid to be able to string a sentence together. "You are just insecure that she has a gifted golden and angelic voice" - More of your stupidity. Firstly, Lea is gifted, not her voice. Secondly, why would I be insecure because someone I've never met and don't know has a great singing voice - when I'm not even a singer? If you had more than half a brain you might just realise that I never once criticsed her voice. It's magnificent. I criticised her use of it. "while you just have a trashy attitude" - Yet I'm not the one hurling insults, hypocrite. How is it a trashy attitude to make a vaild criticism? Oh, sorry, I forgot you own the internet and have disallowed any opinion that disagrees with you. Now grow up and stop imagining I've insulted your girlfriend. Lea Salonga doesn't know you exist.
Keldor D'Antrell wow, i know it's late to reply but, i think you missed the part were Lea won a TONY for Best Actress in a Musical Play (Miss Saigon). just saying, before she became a Disney Princess she's one of the original cast of Miss Saigon. please search and watch on her other performance, don't base her acting skill on this performance only, because as you can see here IT'S A CONCERT, i think its their decision to act a little just to feel the emotion and reflect it to their voices..
In other comments KELDOR reveals he doesn’t like Lea in this role because she’s not white (Caucasian). He’s just prejudiced against her Asian origins, and should be wearing a white KKK sheet .
She was the first to fall , the first of us to fall on this barricade , Her name was Eponine , Her life was cold and dark , yet she was unafraid We fight here in her name She will not die in vain She will not be betrayed
You don't speak for me. She's good but there are better. She may even have the best voice ever but she doesn't use it properly and her acting could be much better.
@@louiedomingueziv6923, what do you mean, "the hell outta here!"? Firebender said she guesses she speaks for the whole world and I told her she doesn't speak for me. I repeat, Lea is good but I think there are better.
@@KeldorDAntrell OK........ Who? Who's in Lea's lane?..... Nobody, that's who! Lol! That's like saying Michael Jordan is good but he's doing it wrong haha!
@@louiedomingueziv6923, I've already said who. Try reading my comments. Francis Ruffelle for a start - the original cast Eponine. She manages to sing without over-enunciating and happens to look like the Caucasian she's supposed to be.
Lea perfmance is beautiful and fits with the words of the song, which tell us Eponine is in shock and almost numb. The writhing agonies of more recent Eponines don't really fit the lyrics. One of the things that makes this version land so hard is that Michael Ball gets that this is Eponines moment, not his. Marius only job here is to comfort and support Eponine, he keeps a lid on his own pain until she passes. Until that point he remains strong for her, focuses on her and does his best to keep her calm. He makes his voice soft and gentle, he strokes her hair, he gently plays along with her hallucinations, he does everything he can to make her death as peaceful as it can be in the circumstances. Too many Marius over act and don't pay attention to the story the lyrics tell. It's like they think she is bleeding to death - so he must he distraught and crying. When actually Marius, in the musical at least, is compassionate enough to know keeping Eponine calm is what matters in this moment. And people wonder why so mant people only like Marius when Michael plays him. Lesson? Listen to the words and do what they describe.
Eponine's unrequited love is the most touching part!!!!! And this line "the rain will make the flowers grow" is indicative for me in a metaphoric sense of her love which is abound and constant like rain but "falls", that is is sacrificed for the flowers to grow meaning Marius and Cosette's ever after.
I still get chills where Lea started panting her words, it starts after she belts out "The rain that brings you hear is heaven blessed"... like she was fighting her pain but it's too much... and afterwards it's like she's using the last of her breath to sing and reassure him that she'll be okay... she starts whispering her words like it's too painful to even talk... like woah
keldor, not arguing with your opinion, just a compliment, everytime lea says a word her whole lips goes with it and i think thats the reason why, i love lea, we have our own opinions and i had to break out mine... she exaggerate words in a good way, and if you dont like her acting, try closing your eyes i prefer that... :)
Yes, your opinion is valid in terms of why you like her. You're the expert on what you like. However, I'm pointing out flaws in her performance that could be fixed to make it *better* in terms of what the role calls for i.e. that would get her to stop sounding like an American, and to stop sounding like she's hale and hearty when she's supposed to be on death's doorstep - *if* she was open to improving (which I don't think she is because she's had these flaws for years now). No other singer I know of enunciates or moves her mouth as she does yet they sound great and can be understood clearly so it's not necessary. It's as if she's trying to pronounce the words perfectly rather than normally, or singing for the benefit of lip-readers rather than music fans who can hear perfectly well. She reminds me of Audrey II from The Little Shop of Horrors movie - and that's just her lips! The 'listen-to-how-powerful-my-voice-is-even-though-I'm-dying' showing off is very irritating because it's wrong and also unnecessary i.e. we get to hear her sing powerfully at other parts of the musical. Don't do it *all the time*, Lea - please.
Personally. I love them both. But I appreciate that the two of you both handled your difference in opinion in a polite and mature manner. Bravo, and may the internet see more of your kind.
Best version ever in my opinion. They make the moment so real, emotional, and believable. Plus Lea's Eponine is amazingly flawless and her voice rings like a hypnotic glass bell putting everyone under her spell.
*stares at the computer screen silently after watching this, takes a deep breath and goes to bed ...then cries out: "OHMYGAHHHHD! WHY?!!". Then curls up under the covers, sobbing uncontrollably thinking of how there is no justice in the world*
The best Epinione and Marius!! No other can do their characters like Lea Salonga and Michael Ball. Both awesome voices and performers ever! I cry every time I see this part. I can totally relate to Epinione (sorry if the spelling is wrong).
Lea Salonga and Samantha Barks fans are fighting about who is the best EPONINE in ON MY OWN VIDEO. And this video is the TESTAMENT who is the BEST EPONINE UP TO DATE.
One of the things I love about this performance is that she actually makes her voice soften and strain like she is actually saying her last words. Such a wonderful performance!
He is perfect! People who don’t understand the smile have not experienced the heartbreaking experience of having to pretend think are fine and will work out when there is no hope…. Ball shows a depth of emotion and understanding that is beautiful. Been there so I know how it feels and this song breaks my heart.
Agreed, to be confused by the smile shows a lack of understanding of what is actually happening here. Marius is trying to keep Eponine calm and reassure her everything will be alright even though he knows it can't be. For the first time in the story Marius is thinking of someone other than himself. I'm sorry you had to experience that 💔
Nancy Klukas ..it's not that I'm a Filipino and lea salonga is..but she truly is a pride...the way she utters the words is so clear and her tone is so so amazing
Lea and Michael-- perfect VOCAL performance AND acting. And all they are doing is singing in front of a microphone and it is better than when I actually saw the show in person!! TALENT.
So beautiful. Brilliant acting as well as singing. The look on Michael's face as he sings "the rain will make the flowers...grow". Marius knowing that Eponine has just left him. Tears!
Lea's voice is just nuts! The way she sing's the rain that brings you here is heaven blessed the sky's begin to clear and I'm at rest! :-D sends chills through my entire being!!
Why why wasn't I around during the 10th anniversary? THEY ARE THE PERFECT CAST! Michael Ball and Lea Salonga are born to play the roles of Marius and Epinone. I'm crying so bad.
Not all really great actors can sing, but they can speak lyrics and it will still be amazing. All really great singers can act, and the reason is simple~ the best of both genres pour their hearts into every performance, no matter how small, and Michael and Lea are two of the best!
advice to anyone who might listen to this song while working on crafts (felt craft in my case), drawings, paintings, makeup, cooking, etc. PLEASE STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND TAKE A MOMENT WITH THIS SONG. You do not want tears in the product that you work so hard for. XD funny enough, I was making a felt Eeyore so that's already depressing.
I've realized that most of my favorite scenes from this play are the death scenes: Fantine, Eponine, Jean Valjean. But I only just realized today that this scene is actually a happy one - from Eponine's point of view. Listen to her words - she's elated! Even with her own death included in the package, this is a better experience than she had ever dared hope for. There's a reason the title is "Les Miserables".
Lol. I’ve seen this show 5 times over the years and after this song ends there’s silence in the theater and you hear muffled crying and sniffling EVERY time without fail.
Amazing singing by Lea, and amazing vocal control. Yes, listen to her at "the rain that brings you hear, is heaven blessed". The outstanding clarity on the belt on "heaven blessed" blows me away every time. WOW! No one can touch her performance. When you listen to others, they all pale in comparison. ENJOY!!!!
To me the 10th Anniversary concert is my favourite “version” of Les Mis. I loved the presentation, production and voices. Personally I find it hard to imagine anyone else apart from Michael Ball as Marius - he has the perfect air of naïveté and youthful passion and found the pathos and wistfulness both the singers expressed during this song quite captivating. I can’t even watch the movie version mainly because of how Russel Crowe butchered the role. I also love the original cast recording but was a little disappointed in the 25th Anniversary (may just because I am so attached to this version). For the people who felt it was “over acted” you have to remember this is a live stage performance in a huge arena which, in general, requires an element of exaggeration in order to project and reach the whole audience and unlike movies stage shows are not focused on realism rather conveying emotion and story through the music and vocals. There is always going to be an element of subjectivity and personal preference when it comes to the arts and I find it somewhat amusing and baffling that some people get so offended and angry if someone disagrees with them. Anyone familiar with TH-cam comments sections will be aware of those that act as though their’s is the only valid opinion and feel the need to “prove” themselves right by continually bludgeoning all dissenting comments with vitriolic sarcasm and insults hurled towards some anonymous person behind a keyboard that they will most likely have any interaction with in real life. Curious and perhaps a symptom of low self esteem, you seriously need to rethink your priorities if you get upset by a paragraph of random words by someone who will have zero influence on your life. Let’s try to bring more positivity and compassion into this world rather than bitterness and hate. Peace all.
Well said. This is also my favorite version so far. Does that means every other version is bad? No. Does that mean I cannot enjoy and appreciate other version of this song/Les Mis? No.
I liked that they had Éponine sing clearly. I know she was dying and and it would be realistic that she would sing quietly but really... WHO SINGS WHEN THEY ARE CLOSE TO DEATH ANYWAYS
![Lea Salonga - On My Own (Les Misérables) [720p]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VjfmP7h3gBw/mqdefault.jpg)
![Lea Salonga - On My Own (Les Misérables) [720p]](/img/tr.png)
The fact is; This was the happiest part of Eponine's life.
Her death.
THIS IS WHY IT'S CALL "THE MISERABLE ONES"
She's not DEAD. TRY. AGAIN
Ah.
Let's see.
She was shot.
And they furthermore took her away.
And had you read he books, or any books, you would know this.
Terry Bronkema ...LOL. Yes she died in this scene, did you not see the end when her head rested on Marius' chest?
Garyk Pinsoneault...yes ironically this became her happiest day....for finally Marius is comforting, embracing & taking care of her.
It's the same with Grantaire. They were finally with who they loved.
No one does a musical death scene better than Lea Salonga.
yeah..you're definitely right..
Frankly, it's bad that I didn't lol
***** Too many syllables. lol
XD she sure dies a lot on stage
dying and still have that floating beautiful voice
everyone is upset over the fact that marius always smiles during this song, but i think he is trying to give eponine reassurance that everything will be okay, even though they both know that she is dying. i also think marius really did care about her a lot, but not in the way that eponine wanted him to.
marley green One of the main differences between the book and musical is that in the musical Marius was a really close friend to Eponine. While in the book Marius didn't really care for her. He was polite to her but he wasn't close to her.
right lol, i'm speaking in terms of the musical. also, my opinions about their relationship have changed since a year ago so i don't necessarily stick with 100% of what i said
+Sara Doro damnit I'm reading the book and I thought that Eponine and Marius were close friends :((((( now I'm sad
+Andrea C. M. Yeah, me too.
I agree that Marius smiles because he is trying to comfort Eponine. At the end of the song, you can see Marius kisses her and cries---in real tears.
She set the bar so bloody high.
Oh God it's everywhere
@@tcwlau3721 😂😂😂
she is a master. i've watched this so many times just to watch her execute like a boss.
I find it more romantic and touching than any marius and cossette scene......
Sameee...and never got why Marius had to end up with her but love is love I guess
Totally agree
But Eponine never lived to experience Marius kissing her :
I agree. It's not that Marius should have been with Eponine (that would kind of ruin the strength of Eponine's character), but I always felt Marius and Cosette were a very unbelievable and unsatisfying couple. There was nothing beyond just mystically "being in love", no evidence of them actually LIVING together.
I always found Marius and Cosettes love a little shallow and empty. Real love hurts as much as it helps, sometimes more. Though I guess Victor Hugo was presenting the hope of France coming through youth and arrogance and the pain of harsh realities to a hope of uncomplicated happiness.
I was listening to this song while putting my makeup on. What a bad idea..
Lmao!!! 😂
SAME!!!!
I had an extra giggle as you posted on Bastille Day.
hahaha
aaaaaawh
i love how she belts "the rain that brings you here is heaven blessed" but then brings it back down for "the sky begins to clear, and i'm at rest"
Here modulation is quite amazing. It really lingers to my ears.
Lea's voice is heaven blessed.
+dontpugme Yes, it's wonderful that she has the technique to be able to do that.
Bad singing, that. She's supposed to be dying, not showing off her voice. She has time in other parts of the musical for that.
This is a concert, not a musical production.
Here's why I like this version instead of the 25th one: Despite it being a concert, Lea and Michael are still acting. The way he has his arms around her and how she occasionally glances back at him while singing. It's just so heartbreaking!
Agreed. You'd swear with the emotion in their faces that these two actors had something between them backstage (none that I'm aware of). It's incredible for what is essentially a musical concert. They brought full blown acting into it.
You have Nick Jonas to blame for that. And Samantha Barks voice completely obliterate his.
jkrfan7 q
Nicky ruined it
@@VuLamDang Sadly Nick Jonas was out-sung by everyone else on that stage. Most of the time he looked and sounded as if he was in pain and when he sang this song he seemed more concerned with getting through it than relating to Samantha's Eponine. Watch Michael and Lea to see real acting and hear singing sent from heaven.
What I really love in Lea's version is that she actually sings the lower notes. They're really hard to sing and many Eponines just use the fact that she's dying to avoid singing them fully... She really sings them and still makes it believeable.
I love the "last rally" notes she projects just before her final dying words too
What sells this version to me is not only the superb vocal and acting talent of Lea Salonga but how Michael Ball acts. In many musical performances Marius seems so indifferent to Eponine dying but here he is trying to reassure her, to keep her safe and warm and you can see the sadness in his eyes. That just makes it perfect as they are supposed to be good friends in the musical and holding his dying friend in his arms should elicit some kind of emotion and when he feels them it just makes this song a hundred times stronger. And mind you - this was a concert and still their acting is top notch!
In the book he gives about 0 fucks
Neetie TM you don't even read the book. he cares for her enough to kiss her as per her dying wish.
@@devynandyafadly7451 excuse me?? I'm french, I hear about it since primary school and I read it in high school. He leaves her right after the kiss and only cares about Cosette's letter, thanks.
@@hyacinthe4478 that's brutal. no wonder there were a lot of Marius haters. XD
That's disappointing about the book. I think this song is the most heartbreaking in versions when Marius finally "gets it"--that Eponine has always been in love with him. He lets Eponine have her fantasy and she finally gets the love and attention she has wanted from Marius; it only takes her losing her life to get it.
You really can't compare Samantha's and Lea's versions. Film and Broadway are so different. In the film, Samantha's voice is intentionally weaker because she has to act like she's dying; she had to make it realistic. But you can't do that on Broadway: if you do, no one can hear you. So of course Lea's version is stronger.
You want a comparison watch the 10th and 25th aniv of lesmis not the movie
This isn't broadway, ppl compare based on the fact they've both played eponine in concerts
And the small detail that Lea Salonga is one of the greatest singers of all time in any genre and Samantha Barks like nearly all others was doomed to an unfair comparison before she was even cast. She’s a fine singer in her own right, but any comparison to greatness is a fool’s errand.
If Frances (original singer) is the best why did the directors/creators choose Lea for the 10th anniversary “dream cast”. Answer: They preferred Lea and their opinion matters more to me
.
You cant even compare there theater concert version especially this song. Sam's version where nowhere near Leah's
Lea Salonga is the Eponine standard! period!
I agree!
Absolutely!
What about Kaho Shimada as Eponine?
She got the voice, power and talent couldn't agree more with u.
but i think Samanta Barks also did a good job played Eponine to actually follow Lea standard.
im glad T Swift never get Eponine role or this character will be forever ruined LOL
There are many singers who can do this *much* better than her. Can't you see her over-acting? Can't you hear her over-enuciation and American accent? Did you miss the part where she belts out "heaven sent" when she's supposed to be dying?
Don't allow your musical judgement be clouded by her big tits.
The way she sings "I'll sleep in your embrace at last." Chills, literal chills. And tears. So, so many tears.
This is the most moving and emotional part of the musical for me :'(
hmm yea that is sad too but idk why I am so moved with Eponine's death and Val Jean too!
+Silfred Louis palero this one is really good.
@Silfred Louis palero
This + Fantine's death (Ruthie Henshall) were the most tragic + best sung/acted.
Me and my friend just did a litte cover of this beautiful song here. Hope you guys like it: th-cam.com/video/qWedF5_FBOQ/w-d-xo.html
That last "grow" by Michael when he strokes her hair; chilling
Lea Salonga nailed it. That's all I need to know.
No matter how many times I hear this duet, I end up crying. Lea Salonga is a hell of a singer..
same!😢
Their harmony on 2:37 “don’t feel any pain” just cleansed my soul
oh my...i'm crying again...
lea's role were all so tragic..why???
she killed herself in miss saigon..
died in marius arms in les miz..
died again as fantine in 25th.
my heart is bleeding...enough of watching
Spoiler alert
did she die in allegiance? i hope not! lol
what about Mulan?
+Lisandro Ringer she died on the inside in reflection
+BootsWithFur right....
This is 100 million light years better than any versions..
Haha omg nailed what i feel for this version
Lea Salonga is the key
Wow....this version was above them all.
i think gavroche was genuinely mesmerised by lea's voice hahahaha
Ikr. I was like close that mouth kid lol
It took me ages to know that Gavroche is Eponines brother. Plus won’t cosette know who Eponie was because the therdines raised the both of them
He was feeling the sadness since his sister is dying in front of her and yet she is dying happy in the hands of Marius
Listen to Lea's flawless belt at "The rain that brings you hear, is heaven blessed". She blasts "blessed" with vocal purity. Wow, listening through speakers or on headphones the quality is stunning. And, her near vocal perfection and Vibrato. No one sings this like she does.
no one
the best version ever... NO ONE comes close.
The original cast beats it by miles i.e. Frances Ruffelle and Michael Ball. Salonga should stick to Disney films where we can't see her awful over-acting.
Your type loves the internet because it gives you your only chance to talk tough and insult someone without having to face any risk.
"Dont know you are saying." - Too stupid to be able to string a sentence together.
"You are just insecure that she has a gifted golden and angelic voice" - More of your stupidity. Firstly, Lea is gifted, not her voice. Secondly, why would I be insecure because someone I've never met and don't know has a great singing voice - when I'm not even a singer?
If you had more than half a brain you might just realise that I never once criticsed her voice. It's magnificent. I criticised her use of it.
"while you just have a trashy attitude" - Yet I'm not the one hurling insults, hypocrite. How is it a trashy attitude to make a vaild criticism? Oh, sorry, I forgot you own the internet and have disallowed any opinion that disagrees with you.
Now grow up and stop imagining I've insulted your girlfriend. Lea Salonga doesn't know you exist.
Keldor D'Antrell wow, i know it's late to reply but, i think you missed the part were Lea won a TONY for Best Actress in a Musical Play (Miss Saigon). just saying, before she became a Disney Princess she's one of the original cast of Miss Saigon. please search and watch on her other performance, don't base her acting skill on this performance only, because as you can see here IT'S A CONCERT, i think its their decision to act a little just to feel the emotion and reflect it to their voices..
@@griff7749 Exactly!!...I'm Late on this but Yeah!
In other comments KELDOR reveals he doesn’t like Lea in this role because she’s not white (Caucasian). He’s just prejudiced against her Asian origins, and should be wearing a white KKK sheet
.
This song is so sad. Especially the last part where she stops singing and he finishes the song for her. 😭😭😭
PS Lea is the best!
I teared up when he had to finish the song for her, that was really heartbreaking : (
Michael adds to it by NOT carrying the last note, making it sound more choked. For me, it completes this song more than any other version.
Ugh. I wish there's still an angelic and and crystal clear voice of Lea in this generation...but can't find one. She's really one in a billion.
She was the first to fall , the first of us to fall on this barricade ,
Her name was Eponine , Her life was cold and dark , yet she was unafraid
We fight here in her name
She will not die in vain
She will not be betrayed
I did Les Miserables earlier this year after rehearsing this section I went home and balled my eyes out.
Lea’s Eponine is truly the standard. Can’t fathom anyone better than this.
Me and my friend just did a litte cover of this beautiful song here. Hope you guys like it: th-cam.com/video/qWedF5_FBOQ/w-d-xo.html
Lea is one TRUE singer. And I guess I speak for the whole world.
You don't speak for me. She's good but there are better. She may even have the best voice ever but she doesn't use it properly and her acting could be much better.
@@KeldorDAntrell She's damn near flawless..the hell outta here!
@@louiedomingueziv6923, what do you mean, "the hell outta here!"? Firebender said she guesses she speaks for the whole world and I told her she doesn't speak for me. I repeat, Lea is good but I think there are better.
@@KeldorDAntrell OK........ Who? Who's in Lea's lane?..... Nobody, that's who! Lol! That's like saying Michael Jordan is good but he's doing it wrong haha!
@@louiedomingueziv6923, I've already said who. Try reading my comments. Francis Ruffelle for a start - the original cast Eponine. She manages to sing without over-enunciating and happens to look like the Caucasian she's supposed to be.
Lea perfmance is beautiful and fits with the words of the song, which tell us Eponine is in shock and almost numb. The writhing agonies of more recent Eponines don't really fit the lyrics. One of the things that makes this version land so hard is that Michael Ball gets that this is Eponines moment, not his. Marius only job here is to comfort and support Eponine, he keeps a lid on his own pain until she passes. Until that point he remains strong for her, focuses on her and does his best to keep her calm. He makes his voice soft and gentle, he strokes her hair, he gently plays along with her hallucinations, he does everything he can to make her death as peaceful as it can be in the circumstances. Too many Marius over act and don't pay attention to the story the lyrics tell. It's like they think she is bleeding to death - so he must he distraught and crying. When actually Marius, in the musical at least, is compassionate enough to know keeping Eponine calm is what matters in this moment.
And people wonder why so mant people only like Marius when Michael plays him.
Lesson? Listen to the words and do what they describe.
Eponine's unrequited love is the most touching part!!!!! And this line "the rain will make the flowers grow" is indicative for me in a metaphoric sense of her love which is abound and constant like rain but "falls", that is is sacrificed for the flowers to grow meaning Marius and Cosette's ever after.
@Anonymous Anonymous Thank you... just thank you
I still get chills where Lea started panting her words, it starts after she belts out "The rain that brings you hear is heaven blessed"... like she was fighting her pain but it's too much... and afterwards it's like she's using the last of her breath to sing and reassure him that she'll be okay... she starts whispering her words like it's too painful to even talk... like woah
Yeah i noticed that too. Like her last effort was after belting heaven blessed. Then her life started fading away
I was reading comments and I was like "haha y'all are too sensitive" and then Eponine's last line comes and omg 😭😭😭
And Marius' slight pause before he chokes out "grow" is enough to kill.
Micheal Ball knocks Salonga out of the park with his voice and acting. She's corny and obvious.
keldor, not arguing with your opinion, just a compliment, everytime lea says a word her whole lips goes with it and i think thats the reason why, i love lea, we have our own opinions and i had to break out mine... she exaggerate words in a good way, and if you dont like her acting, try closing your eyes i prefer that... :)
Yes, your opinion is valid in terms of why you like her. You're the expert on what you like. However, I'm pointing out flaws in her performance that could be fixed to make it *better* in terms of what the role calls for i.e. that would get her to stop sounding like an American, and to stop sounding like she's hale and hearty when she's supposed to be on death's doorstep - *if* she was open to improving (which I don't think she is because she's had these flaws for years now). No other singer I know of enunciates or moves her mouth as she does yet they sound great and can be understood clearly so it's not necessary. It's as if she's trying to pronounce the words perfectly rather than normally, or singing for the benefit of lip-readers rather than music fans who can hear perfectly well.
She reminds me of Audrey II from The Little Shop of Horrors movie - and that's just her lips! The 'listen-to-how-powerful-my-voice-is-even-though-I'm-dying' showing off is very irritating because it's wrong and also unnecessary i.e. we get to hear her sing powerfully at other parts of the musical. Don't do it *all the time*, Lea - please.
Personally. I love them both. But I appreciate that the two of you both handled your difference in opinion in a polite and mature manner. Bravo, and may the internet see more of your kind.
This is one of the most heartbreakingly romantic songs I have ever experienced.
Me and my friend just did a litte cover of this beautiful song here. Hope you guys like it: th-cam.com/video/qWedF5_FBOQ/w-d-xo.html
She will always be my favorite Eponine. This is so beautful.
Best version ever in my opinion. They make the moment so real, emotional, and believable. Plus Lea's Eponine is amazingly flawless and her voice rings like a hypnotic glass bell putting everyone under her spell.
2:14 - You'll know how a perfomance is at its peak of transcending emotions when you leave your fellow actors losing character gaping at you.
*stares at the computer screen silently after watching this, takes a deep breath and goes to bed ...then cries out: "OHMYGAHHHHD! WHY?!!". Then curls up under the covers, sobbing uncontrollably thinking of how there is no justice in the world*
after 4 yrs have u find justice?
hehe chill!
This is DEFINITELY THE GOLD STANDARD - beautifully sung, adroitly acted.
“A breath away from where you are: I've come home from so far” gets me every time.
I haven't seen Les Mis.
I came here looking for music videos.
Dang it brought me to tears.
Remabelle Manuel you have to see it. If you get the chance. Take it.
I always thought that in the 10th Anniversary Marius had more chemistry with Eponine than Cosette...
Lol, I thought so too!
@snow_girl
The 10th Anniversary Version is the only one I rewatch + I bought The CD of; esp this mesmerizing scene.
This performance from the waist up in front of a microphone outdoes any stage death scene of Les Mis I've ever seen. Great chemistry..
Clarity, Musicality and Emotion = definitely that is all about LEA SALONGA!
"i'll sleep in your embrace at last"..😭😭 that line is just so heartbreaking
applause to lea and micheal brilliant perfromance
The best Epinione and Marius!! No other can do their characters like Lea Salonga and Michael Ball. Both awesome voices and performers ever! I cry every time I see this part. I can totally relate to Epinione (sorry if the spelling is wrong).
Eponine :^ )
Me and my friend just did a litte cover of this beautiful song here. Hope you guys like it: th-cam.com/video/qWedF5_FBOQ/w-d-xo.html
Don't ever make a damn bad comment about how she sings, she's a pro!
One of the best duets in musical theatre and definitely one of the best versions of this song in particular.
"I'm here." "That's all I need to know."
Lea Salonga and Samantha Barks fans are fighting about who is the best EPONINE in ON MY OWN VIDEO. And this video is the TESTAMENT who is the BEST EPONINE UP TO DATE.
ikr.
Lea`s sweetness wins...
Lea Salonga is the best Eponine!!!
Michael Ball is the best Marius!!!
Oh god Marius singing 'grow' alone gets to me every time
Lea Salonga has the voice of an angel......so much talent, we will never see anybody better......
One of the things I love about this performance is that she actually makes her voice soften and strain like she is actually saying her last words. Such a wonderful performance!
He is perfect! People who don’t understand the smile have not experienced the heartbreaking experience of having to pretend think are fine and will work out when there is no hope…. Ball shows a depth of emotion and understanding that is beautiful. Been there so I know how it feels and this song breaks my heart.
Agreed, to be confused by the smile shows a lack of understanding of what is actually happening here. Marius is trying to keep Eponine calm and reassure her everything will be alright even though he knows it can't be. For the first time in the story Marius is thinking of someone other than himself.
I'm sorry you had to experience that 💔
The BEST performance of "A little fall of rain" ever in the history of Les Miserables.
Projecting much!?
Best performance of this song ever!
Nancy Klukas ..it's not that I'm a Filipino and lea salonga is..but she truly is a pride...the way she utters the words is so clear and her tone is so so amazing
Ian Pacleb I love Samantha's too
that part "BLEEEESSED" omg WOOOOOWW DAYYUUUMMMM
Lea and Michael-- perfect VOCAL performance AND acting. And all they are doing is singing in front of a microphone and it is better than when I actually saw the show in person!! TALENT.
Lea Salonga is such a brilliant actress!
The best Marius, the best Eponine
This is the only version of 'a little fall of rain' that makes me cry. I can really feel the chemistry here. Best match ever.
Crap! Bloody ninjas cutting onions again! I LOVE this scene and at the same time it breaks my heart. :'(
This is one of the most beautiful performances of all time
The ONLY time I have ever thought 'screw Cosset! Eponie and Marius all the way!' Lea and Micheals rendition of this is pretty much perfect!
I just closed my eyes and listened to this. Who else felt the pain?
One of the most beautiful moving duets. Great composition,orchestra and vocalists
All rise for the national anthem of unrequited love
It’s been 6 years but I still chuckle every time I see your comment.
HAHAHAHA!
So beautiful. Brilliant acting as well as singing. The look on Michael's face as he sings "the rain will make the flowers...grow". Marius knowing that Eponine has just left him. Tears!
Michael and Lea have amazing vocal chemistry! 😍
I cry every time. This Lea and Michael version is my favorite.
I used to sing this so much with my special one a long time ago. Still makes me weep like a baby.
GoPro Dog aw that's sweet.
ghostie7790 Xcept for my spelling, I meant "I used to sing it with my GF" I guess that was obvious :) I spell even worse when I weep.
+GoPro Dog A sensitive guy whose not afraid to show it. Respect.
+Andrew Mikolajczyk agree with you..with high respect
vieju Thank you kindly.
Lea and Michael the perfect duet.
Lea's voice is just nuts! The way she sing's the rain that brings you here is heaven blessed the sky's begin to clear and I'm at rest! :-D sends chills through my entire being!!
Why why wasn't I around during the 10th anniversary? THEY ARE THE PERFECT CAST! Michael Ball and Lea Salonga are born to play the roles of Marius and Epinone. I'm crying so bad.
2:36 one of my favorite chords in all of music everywhere quite literally..."You/I don't feeeel any paaaain."
Not all really great actors can sing, but they can speak lyrics and it will still be amazing. All really great singers can act, and the reason is simple~ the best of both genres pour their hearts into every performance, no matter how small, and Michael and Lea are two of the best!
My favorite female vocalist of them all, her voice is magical
advice to anyone who might listen to this song while working on crafts (felt craft in my case), drawings, paintings, makeup, cooking, etc. PLEASE STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND TAKE A MOMENT WITH THIS SONG. You do not want tears in the product that you work so hard for. XD funny enough, I was making a felt Eeyore so that's already depressing.
Lea is the best Eponine in the entire history of Les Miserables!! i get goose bumps every time i watch this!
One of the great duets from Les Miserables!
My god. What an experience it must have been to witness all of this live.
The best version of this song for Me.. :) so lonely, so hopeful, so painful.. :(
I've realized that most of my favorite scenes from this play are the death scenes: Fantine, Eponine, Jean Valjean. But I only just realized today that this scene is actually a happy one - from Eponine's point of view. Listen to her words - she's elated! Even with her own death included in the package, this is a better experience than she had ever dared hope for. There's a reason the title is "Les Miserables".
You can never be wrong putting together Leah Solonga & Michael Ball!!!!
still watching in 2017. no matter how many times i've seen it "grow" hits like a road roller, slow and excruciating
I cried literally
Butchie Presents same here. 🎶💔
Lol. I’ve seen this show 5 times over the years and after this song ends there’s silence in the theater and you hear muffled crying and sniffling EVERY time without fail.
Me too
Which is a bit of surprise since when I watched the movie I didn't cry at all ( except for the Death of Enjolras and Grantaire )
Amazing singing by Lea, and amazing vocal control. Yes, listen to her at "the rain that brings you hear, is heaven blessed". The outstanding clarity on the belt on "heaven blessed" blows me away every time. WOW! No one can touch her performance. When you listen to others, they all pale in comparison. ENJOY!!!!
my favorite song and rendition... 😭 absolutely beautiful... lea and michael... both perfect together..
2019 and it still hits like 1995. Brawling like a kid after watching this. No doubt the best Marius and Eponine to date. Hands down.
Lea happens to be my favorite singer and Michael happens to be my favorite male singer. Can't beat this duo :(
Greatest rendition of this song of all time! Truly moving.
To me the 10th Anniversary concert is my favourite “version” of Les Mis. I loved the presentation, production and voices. Personally I find it hard to imagine anyone else apart from Michael Ball as Marius - he has the perfect air of naïveté and youthful passion and found the pathos and wistfulness both the singers expressed during this song quite captivating. I can’t even watch the movie version mainly because of how Russel Crowe butchered the role. I also love the original cast recording but was a little disappointed in the 25th Anniversary (may just because I am so attached to this version). For the people who felt it was “over acted” you have to remember this is a live stage performance in a huge arena which, in general, requires an element of exaggeration in order to project and reach the whole audience and unlike movies stage shows are not focused on realism rather conveying emotion and story through the music and vocals. There is always going to be an element of subjectivity and personal preference when it comes to the arts and I find it somewhat amusing and baffling that some people get so offended and angry if someone disagrees with them. Anyone familiar with TH-cam comments sections
will be aware of those that act as though their’s is the only valid opinion and feel the need to “prove” themselves right by continually bludgeoning all dissenting comments with vitriolic sarcasm and insults hurled towards some anonymous person behind a keyboard that they will most likely have any interaction with in real life. Curious and perhaps a symptom of low self esteem, you seriously need to rethink your priorities if you get upset by a paragraph of random words by someone who will have zero influence on your life. Let’s try to bring more positivity and compassion into this world rather than bitterness and hate. Peace all.
Well said. This is also my favorite version so far. Does that means every other version is bad? No. Does that mean I cannot enjoy and appreciate other version of this song/Les Mis? No.
Not only is the singing fantastic, but just the energy and emotions between the two, it's amazing.
So much talent. To me she will always be Miss Saigon
Thanks Mum for introducing me to the most wonderful sound of Les Miserables. R.I.P Darling we will meet again sometime soon
tears of unknown emotions flowing out of my eyes.this is so tearjerking
damn i didnt know there were onions in my room
I liked that they had Éponine sing clearly. I know she was dying and and it would be realistic that she would sing quietly but really... WHO SINGS WHEN THEY ARE CLOSE TO DEATH ANYWAYS
Who stands when they are dying?
Lol ...😂😂
All the operatic sopranos and tenors... and they take forever to die, too! :D
Dying is only part of it. It is also a love song. After all of those years of wanting and yearning, she is finally in his arms. 💕
Lea Salonga is hands down the best Eponine ever!
For me Lea and Sam share the first place