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Musical Theatre Coach Reacts (BRING HIM HOME, Colm Wilkinson & Alfie Boe) Les Mis
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ส.ค. 2020
- Musical Theatre Coach Marc Daniel Patrick reacts to (BRING HIM HOME, Colm Wilkinson & Alfie Boe) from Les Miserables.
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In this video Marc discusses the difference between the two powerhouse performances including the vocal and emotional difficulty of this piece.
The biggest difference between to the two is refinement. Both in the character and vocally, Colm is pouring everything into with vocally and with his body, and the vowels that he sustains on are his and his alone. It's raw, it's powerful, you can hear him bargainnig with god, it's almost like he's chaneling Gethsemane in Jesus Chrrist Superstar. Alfie is vocal beauty, pure italian vowels, and technical perfection, paired with honest understated yet effective acting. His plea is there in the voice and in his eyes, while still maintaining perfect vocal technique. They're both stunning.
You’ve just said everything I was thinking, but far more eloquently than I ever could.
Well said.
Really well said.
But personally, I prefer Colm's performance . His interpretation to me is much closer to the character and the plot: an old man who've seen and gone through all the hardships, struggles and unfairness, maybe became even self-defense and a little bit unconcerned now bargaining with god in exchange of the young man's live. Like you said, it's raw, powerful and even like begging with a little bit anger which makes the performance perfect.
To me Alfie sing it beautifully but too peacefully, not that close to the character.
@@junhsu6366 I think it depends on how you play the character. Wilkinson plays the convict aspect of valjean’s personality very close to the surface. Boe plays him as someone who buried that experience deep inside and as someone who let everything else that happened after shape the character. Both approaches are rooted in the text. Personally? I’d rather hear a beautiful song like that sung with as much vocal beauty as possible, but who am I to quibble.
As long as it packs an emotional punch and it’s sung WELL, which they both do, I’m not gonna complain.
@@junhsu6366 I think you nailed it. Valjean was a physical man. He spent 20 years in a work camp, he just carried a full grown man through the sewer system to break away from the war front. This song is extremely emotional and the man is exhausted, afraid and calling on God to step in. There is nothing peaceful about it. There is nothing perfect about it.
Saw Alfie sing at the Les Mis Concert last summer at The Gielgud Theatre. Just as Alfie walked forward tp sing, a reverent hush fell over the theatre. You could have heard a pin drop. He held the audience spellbound, we could barely breathe it was so touching and beautiful. The was a slight pause after the last note of ...home and then we all stood to applaud. The theatre erupted. It’s one of those magical moments that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Afterwards, he was so gracious at the stage door. Signing autographs and posing with fans for photos. I asked for a hug for a fellow northerner, and he obliged! Fabulous day with superb memories.
I too saw and met him after Broadway. So gracious. His voice was bigger than the theater. Absolutely cannot believe we got to see him.
I saw it at the Gielgud also, and I don't think I took a single breath through this song. The standing ovation afterwards lasted for an eternity.
I agree I saw Les Mis at the Palace Theater for my 39th Birthday that Moment as he brought Marius out the sewers and the Music started for bring him home started, by the end I was sobbing it really got me.
Alfie was sick when I went to the Guilgud 😢
@@suerawlings7698 That's a shame; especially given how hot the tickets were.
Here we go again. The trademark Marc Daniel Patrick "this performance is a masterpiece so I'm going to smile helplessly like a lovestruck Marius seeing Cosette" smile. What a mood. That's the expression on my face the entire time when I listen to either Colm Wilkinson or Alfie Boe.
I want a boyfriend that looks at me like Marc Daniel Patrick looks at superior Musical Theatre :-D
@@JustBeingAwesome Ikr 😂
@@JustBeingAwesome Just so you know, my sister took a screen shot of this comment and texted it to me the other day, she loved it so much.
@@JustBeingAwesome - oh, that we should all be so lucky 😍
@@MarcDanielPatrick - see?! told you! they love how you can't hide what the music does to you ☺️
For me, listing to Alfie is "perfect" singing, but listing to Colm "hurts"... I feel the pain... It truly sounds like pleading to me, where-as (for me) Alfie is "just" putting on a phenomenal vocal performance. Amazing to hear, but I really feel Colm. Both of them are amazing, but its Colm for me.
Well spoken. It’s definitely not about who did it best; it’s about appreciating both performances for their contributions to the role.
Thank you. You understand music is not a contest. A gift you can savor and enjoy from multiple vocal artists.
I don't call people with this talent singers. Because they all are artists.
!!!!
You have to listen to the encore performance of the 25th. It has both men singing, plus to more amazing men, a quartet of this song. It is heart stopping! When Alfie comes in, your mouth will drop. So good. The whole song. So freaking good.
I left this movie theater performance of Les Mis floating on Alfie's entry into the encore. Left me actually breathless.
This music and voices overtake me! Fabulous!
@@hindasleaves me in tears every time I’ve heard Alfie Boe sing this. 💧💧
I saw Colm opening night in NYC. This song literally stopped the show. It took a long time for us to finally stop clapping, sit down and let the show go on. Grown men were sobbing. I so enjoy seeing that look on your face of appreciation and respect for the music and the artists. Thanks for making this. Also, the explanation of the emotions during the Alfie version was so spot-on. Please, please can you do Philip Quast doing STARS and George Hearn doing MY FRIENDS from Sweeney Todd. Pleeeese
I saw the show in May of '87 as a freshman in high school, it was my first B'way show and I had no idea what I was going to see. I was blown away, I had no idea people could sing like that and it was the first time music brought me to tears. Colm Wilkinson...OMG.
Colm Wilkinson could sing a page of the phonebook and make me cry.
What's amazing is that we could have gotten Colm as Che Guevara in Evita. Colm did the original 2- record album (Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph also were done on records before going to the stage). Andrew Lloyd Webber certainly wanted Colm to do Che, but he decided to try to become a singer-songwriter (He was CT Wilkinson) - so Mandy Patinkin got the part. Colm also could have been the original Phantom, but turned it down to do Valjean.
Every time I hear Colm singing this… man, I just love it. Best Valjean ever
I had the utterly transformative experience seeing Colm during his short reprise of the role in Toronto. Front row center! I will never, ever forget it!
Vocally Alfie just slays my life every time. The person time I heard him sing it I cried. He is so precise and internal the way he sings. This is my favorite musical theater that I’ve sang so many times. Alfie inspires me and I always want to do it justice every time I sing it, partly because of him
You should analyze Ramin Karimloo singing “Til I Hear You Sing” and “Bring Him Home”
Brian Pils yes please!
Y E S 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Better yet, compare Ben Lewis and Ramin singing “Til I Hear You Sing”
Yes
timfha that would be interesting compare the classical style to the belting style
Alfie Boe's singing was so effortless, so elegant and airy. Especially the ending. It was just so beautiful
major difference to me is he is an operatic tenor, but very seldom has opportunities like this.
What I personally enjoyed so much about both performances of this song is the delicate tenderness that each portrayed. It felt like being privy to a private moment of prayer, fear, hope, worry, tenderness, etc. . . . something that isn't portrayed by men very often either onscreen or off in reality. So it felt like a holy moment. And it was.
Portrays perfectly what a father would feel
Colm Wilkinson totally naiks the perfect combination and transmiting clearly and powerfully Jean Valjean. Both are great singers, Colm just makee you really feel the song.
Thank you so much for your comments and analysis. This is absolutely one of my favorite songs in musical theater! I've seen Les Mis over thirty times on Broadway and had the pleasure of seeing a performance by Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean. He's absolutely amazing. I've never seen Alfie Boe play the part, but his performance is superb as well. Another vocalist I've seen in person is Ramin Karimloo who had me in tears even after seeing this song performed so many times. I'm constantly blown away by the talent, artistry, and magnificence of these singers. Your analysis reminds me that they've also worked incredibly hard to perfect their craft and that it takes a singular determination. Thank you. On another note...your facial expressions make me smile and sometimes crack up because I feel their music through you. It's like watching a kid in a candy store. I love it!
I love Colm's raspy, earthy take most, but Alfie's tone is so pure, it just draws you in
This song was added to Les Miserables for Him, before it was not in the show and they added it to suit his voice this is why he sings it the best.
Looks at that one dislike: must be Javert!
HE'S FOUND OUR COVER AT LAST
HAHAHA
Hahahaha
WAHAHAHAHAA
The lyrics really hit home when Alfie sings this song, he really puts the emotions into it. I also think by not over distorting the vowels you can believe this is a man genuinely praying to God and not just giving a concert performance.
Wow it's interesting you say this because my opinion is the complete opposite - I believe Colm's performance, whereas Alfie's seems just like an operatic performance.
Say N-yah (merged into one syllable). Then say it again and allow it to come from the back/bottom of your mouth/throat - that is unfortunately all I hear when Alfie sings. It's too operatic IMO
(I hope I've been able to explain what I mean, I have no knowledge of actual singing lol)
@@HORHAYY10 That's interesting! What's great about theatre is different people can love different aspects for their own reasons. I have some operatic and musical theatre experience but wouldn't consider myself an expert either - it's just what it sounds like to me, and I prefer that style of 'natural' singing (but still with good placement and and open airway)
I really like both versions. But Alfie reduced me to tears. I felt like He was Truely Praying to God. But Bravo to both of them. 🌹♥️
Very lucky to see Alfie Boe sing “Bring Him Home” with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir several years. He was so intimate and powerful.
Wilkinson’s performance always bring tears to my eyes, perhaps, that’s what I feel a prayer in such a hopeless situation should be?
Thank you for showing Alfie's interpretation of 'Bring Him Home'.
Colm was my first Jean Valjean & with Philip Quast as Javert in the 10th Anniv Performance was perfection to me. I believe Cameron Macintosh called it his dream cast.
But Alfie Boe was also perfect for the 25th anniversary performance. Very dramatic, vocally superior, mesmerising.
I like how you gave us a small history lesson with this one.
This song gives me goosebumps! Literal shivers up my spine each time I hear it. But seeing it live or watching someone perform it literally stops my heart...
I flew to London just to hear Alfie sing! It was my birthday present to myself 10 years ago!
Whether Colm or Alfie, the performance is timeless and so visceral. What is much more moving to me are the facial expressions of Marc. To watch him watching the performances is enough to make me feel his emotions...enough to bring tears.
I saw an interview with Alfie Boe he said he went into a "trance" as he performed and that he was startled to see the audience as he finished song.
I saw that too. He said it was like a bubble. And slowly the sound of the audience's applause came to him. He was determined not to break character, but had to acknowledge their accolades before the show could go on. Like a 10 minute standing ovation!
He sang this song in the Mormon Tabernacle at one of their Christmas shows. They routinely have guest singers (all types from Broadway to Opera to pop - even the Muppets) and this was the song he chose for his solo - and the orchestra was just as understated. The Tabernacle, like the O2, seats around 22,000 people and they always sell out their Christmas performances. I believe Tom Brokaw did the narration that year. Alfie hates wearing a tie and had his shirt open the nights he sang. He'd mentally prepare himself each time he had to sing it. I think the video is now gone, but one commenter mentioned he got a 5 minute standing ovation, a rare thing where great singers routinely give bravura performances. His falsetto (or head voice if you prefer) is remarkable. I can, off-hand think of only one other performance of a guest at the Tabernacle that actually outdid this - Andrea Bocelli and the choir doing The Lord's Prayer.
th-cam.com/video/u8jImIjg4UY/w-d-xo.html
Every time I watch Alfie sing this, I get something in my eyes.
Bahaha.
Glad I'm not the only one...
Same here I'm watching it in bed tonite, I might need a tissue
Alfie's eyes just touch my soul and break my heart all at once.
As a classically trained singer, Alfie Boe’s approach to the “o” vowel in home. Over opening can cause stress in muscles where you don’t want it to be. A closed vowel still has plenty of acoustic space for the sound to be created. Bear in mind, Alfie does not need a microphone. He’s sung over orchestras in opera houses his entire career.
Also, I can tell you, as a classically trained opera singer, by keeping your mouth almost closed, it is an excellent way of controlling your volume.
Copertura :) You know!
Thank you Nicholas for the explanation. I found it odd (his approach) especially when Colm is so wide open for most of the song.
@@MarcDanielPatrick copertura is a technique common in tenors going through the passagio where they add a 'cover' to the particular vowel they sing also. There's a good video of Pavarotti explaining why they sing this way and not totally open.
I sing with this technique to control air flow on softer notes and let them spin. If I open too wide when I don't need to, there can be a tendency to let the resonance fall back too far, and a risk of bringing up too much weight on the note. Alfie has an open throat, lifted palate, and is singing in the mask, so he doesn't need to 'muscle' it like many musical theatre singers do. If you're putting too much pressure on your chords and singing through your throat, then yeah, you're gonna need to open wide to get the sound out. It also will produce a wider vibrato like Colm has, while Alfie has a clean and resonant spin to his. Because all the work should be happening below your neck, not above!
See, now I want to see you try to dissect the Four Valjeans version from the end of the 25th Anniversary concert. (Colm can still hold that high note for days!)
I cry every time I watch that one! The chills!
Second this comment! I’d love to see your thoughts on the four Valjeans
Up
I thought Colm struggled a bit with the high note.
Unfortunately we never got to see the American singer who was to replace Colm Wilkinson after the show opened in 1987. Cast member Kevin Marcum died just weeks before the scheduled transition when Colm was to elect to return home. Kevin was just a young 30 something at the time.
I was so lucky to see Alfie Boe perform this role in London in 2011. I had seen this show on TV a few months before the show and I thought I was prepared to see it live ... I wasn’t! He was magnificent and I cried throughout the entire song. I had seen Les Mis on stage three times before but nothing will compare to seeing Alfie’s performance.
i've heard Alfie Boe singing live and he's absolutly amazing, but Colm Wilkinson will be always my Valjean.
Alfie gets that sound by perfectly placing the voice in the mask of his face. If you watch closely you can see him subtlety raising his eye brows and placing his voice through the mask and forehead. Colm doesn't, he has a little more tension in the larynx so he has to open his mouth more to get the resonance and volume. Alfie's technique is perfect. I'm not slamming Wilkinson in anyway, his approach is more pop whereas Alfie is more classical/operatic.
Edward Batchelor absolutely right. Alfie also trained as an operatic tenor at both the Royal College of Music and the National Opera Studio, which only takes 12 singers/academic year, and was then raised by the English National Opera. Alfie’s had to re-learn to sing with amplification, because with projection, he’d out-sing musical theatre singers without.
I used to feel a little miffed Alfie had ‘crossed over’, because I was raised at the ENO too. But I can’t be. By far the most graceful, versatile and authentic crossover artist in the world, IMHO. I can’t be miffed at that.
@@spellywelly Bowe's technique also allows him to have better pitch and legato through the phrases than Wilkinson. Bowe would have been an amazing Rudolfo and Cavaradossi.
@@astoriacub Alfie has sung Rudolfo several times. The first time was in Baz Luhrmann's production on Broadway in 2002, leaving the Royal Opera House Young Artists programme to do so. He's also played the role for English National Opera at the London Coliseum (his 2009 performance is on DVD and TH-cam) He's performed in several other parts over time, including the role of Tybalt in a performance at the Royal Opera House immediately after the Les Mis 25th Anniversary concert shown here.
@@spellywelly Lovely comments.
@@spellywellyI love your comments.
I will probably always think of Colm as "my Valjean". My introduction to Les Mis was the 10th anniversary concert so those performers will always hold a special place in my heart.
While I do like Alfie, and think he has a fantastic and powerful voice, in my opinion Colm is the better actor.
Also... Bring Him Home was written specifically for Colm - that's pretty hard to compete with.
Same! I grew up with the 10 year anniversary! It’s the best version of the show, for sure.
I have the OCR of Les Miz and that's what I listen too. Jeff Leyton is a good JVJ also. Saw Colm live a few years ago and he sang Bring Him Home from the heart. And he went higher than the last note. Sorry Alfie. Good. But really not for me.
@@annacairns Yes, Jeff is good too as is John Owen-Jones and many others.
By OCR I assume you mean the London cast? I'm used to seeing the specific abbriviations (OLC: London and OBC: Broadway), so wanted to be sure which one you meant. :)
@@Sweeney541 Yes. Sorry I meant the OLC. It's phenomenonal 🙂
No need to be sorry. I was just curious :)
And I agree. There are good and bad things to say about both recordings, but I definitely prefer the OLC too. No disrespect to the Broadway cast, but it's hard to beat Patti LuPone, Michael Ball, Rebecca Caine etc.
Ok but I need to see that dreamy admiration look while listening to the 4 tenors during the 25th anniversary...
OMG yes!!!
Bahaha
Your facial expressions are far better than the performance
Colm and Alfie's renditions were unique and great. Colm's raw emotion in every note was powerful and holds you entranced with each one. Alfie's rendition was smooth, subtle, yet powerful. His transition from note to note was so pure and just blended perfectly till the last note. Both were amazing. So grateful to have witnessed both.
That would be Cameron Macintosh, not MacIntyre
Ha! Was scrolling for this!!
And Samantha Barks, not Banks
i was trying to think of how alfie's voice made me feel when he sings this song and i remembered it as soon as i heard his voice
it makes me ASCEND that is the only way i could describe it
literally sounds like something you would hear in a church or in heaven idk
Look it up Marc , bring him home was not in the original composition it was added due to Colms range . At the time you did not get opera singers in for musicals . Colm is the god of musical singing not opera. His voice, his body language he is just amazing brings me to tears
This song makes me cry every single time.
Funny that Alfie's arm movement reminded you of Jesus on the cross. Your comments about the song being "the prayer" and the "You can take, you can give" lyric reminded me of "Gethsemane" from JCS. Never made that connection before.
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables sung by Michael Ball would be awesome to see too
Colm will always be the benchmark, especially since the song was written by/for his voice and delivery. Look up the video on here “Les Miserables - The Writing of “Bring Him Home”” for the creation story of this specific number in the show and how instrumental Colm was to its creation.
Please react to Philip Quast singing Javert's Suicide or Stars in the 10th Anniversarie of Les Mis!!!
YES!!! Stars!! But I’d take either one.
Coming.
His note "reprieeeevvve" needs to bevreacted too! Please?😚
Yessssss please.
ugh yes, the best javert
Colm used to be my favourite and then I saw Alfie do this in London and fell in love with his version.
Wilkinson and Alfie Boe are both too good! it’s so hard to choose one over the other, but i have to say that Alfie made me fall in love with this song i LOVE his interpretation!
I would love to see The Confrontation from Les Mis, every performance is different and there is sure a lot to unpack
I saw Wilkinson in the London production. I’ll ever forget it or him. He was magnificent! I couldn’t imagine anyone else in this role until I saw Boe. You’re right: two different men, two different deliveries, two incredible performances. So glad these videos are available. I also enjoyed watching you watching them!
I love them both so so much with different interpretations of the song however!!!.... I’d be voting for Alfie on this with his meek internal feelings almost into crying. His acting comes out of his voice that’s almost or is GOLDEN. He is telling the audience that he IS Valjean himself. He is talking to God.
Anyway, I’m not being demanding here but if you may review the proper song for my own satisfaction: “Stars” with Philip Quast vs Norm Lewis
Stars - yes please!
oh come on philip quast is the best with anything javert related...only heard norm lewis a few times and something was off to me about his voice
Tara but Norm’s acting is also up to par... oh man.... Quast is my favorite too but amongst the newer ones, Norm could stand up against Michael Ball and the other vets.
All the Valjeans are great in their own ways but Colm will always be “my” Valjean
cannot Agreed more!!
The music was written for Colms voice.
same here!
@@annmitchell4663 no it wasn't. The play was French and translated to English later.
I was lucky enough to see the play within 3 months of its West End opening. I'd been a huge fan from seeing him as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, but hearing this for the first time was so far beyond that
Alfie Bowe is able to get that ‘crystal clear tone without opening his mouth much’ because he’s developed a mature head voice. Head voice is something of a lost art because no one teaches it. His tone is absolute perfection as it’s a marriage of athletic breath support and head voice.
You hit the nail on the head! Well put!
I saw Les Miserables Staged Concert at the Gielgud Theatre with outstanding Mr Alfie Boe last August 28th and it was absolutely fantastic! A memory for the rest of my life 🎼🎵🎶🎶🎵
Wilkinson definitely has a very unique sound because of his diction. And his diction drives me up the wall. His vowels wander and shift throughout the note. He makes diphthongs and triphthongs out of words that don’t have them. I guess it may be his accent, but there are correct ways of singing words according to IPA. It’s a very pretty sound, and he makes this sound effortless.
As to how Alfie can create so much sound with his mouth less open, I think it’s because he’s employing a soprano like dome and float. Tenors usually hook and cover (think Franco Corelli); sopranos dome and float (thing Monserrat Caballe). It’s allowing him to spin the sound through a smaller space. That’s my guess. I really like Alfie Boe. Being classically trained Boe has the ring to his voice that Wilkinson doesn’t have.
Colm and John Owen Jones are my favourites although Alfie has a beautiful voice. JOJ is absolutely fabulous. His Bui Doi is one of my favourites.
I've given my thumbs up before even seeing the video. I'm so excited. I can't wait. Love your channel, Marc.
Same
Thank you so much. Means a lot.
I love how you explain that they have their own interpretations and one isn’t the winner over another. God given talentsis what it is , plus the desire in each singer/actor to practice and achieve. Les Miz is my all time favorite, even though I love most musicals. I don’t see how Les Miz can ever be topped! I love your show, too. You feel each song, and you know each one deep in your heart. I would love to see you coach a singer.
I literally cried everytime Alfie sing and I stop just to listen to your comment and cried again when you play the video... the way he sing this song hit so hard.. I sing this to my self when my father was sick... so i love how he interpreted the song like he’s praying to God... like hmmm 🥺🥺
I've heard this song 100,000x and I still cry. Every. Damn. Time.
Thanks so much for taking my suggestion! I love Colm's interpretation (he's so obviously Irish in his pronunciations) and it totally has an amazing impact and influence on all future Valjeans. For me, its just as you said. Colm is very physical in his performance, using those physical queues to drive the emotion. Alfie is almost the opposite. He's using the emotion to drive the physical queues. When I am singing myself (not well but passionate) and I am overcome by the emotion of a song, I will often close my eyes to really internalize that feeling. This may be why his performance resonates so much with me. It also makes the "eye-contact" he does make even more poignant and powerful. I loved watching this an appreciating it through new eyes. You hit on a lot of points I always feel watching these performances. Keep up the great videos!
Thank you so much for the suggestion!
Both different but so beautiful. So lucky to have seen Colm’s concert twice before COVID. He still sang this and Music of the Night as great as when he was on stage performing as Valjean and the Phantom.
These are two stunning different interpretations of this song. Both are amazing. The song was written for Colm & he sings it brilliantly, but Alfie sings it so amazingly too, more like a prayer and a bit more subtle than Colm who tends to be slightly more physical. It’s also amazing to hear Colm end this song with a C# rather than the written C (not here, but in other performances). I’ve seen Colm perform this song & role many times & Alfie as well. I think they are amazing. Each brings his own strengths to the role. This song can’t but uplift one’s spirit when either of these two are performing it- breathtaking!
I’d love to see a reaction to Audra McDonald. ANYTHING by Audra McDonald. (Sun and the Moon and I’ll be Here are personal favorites. Also anything from Ragtime)
That's a genuine appraisal of two great singers, giving their own version of a brilliant emotional song. Like you say there are no winners or losers just two great voices.
Alfie Boe is the only Tenor singer that I know who can sing so powerful and yet soothingl and crystal clear all at the same time. He's like the male version of Lea Salonga (for me) which make thier unison so perfectly on spot, in this particular concert. ♥
I love how he feels the music. Every time I‘m like „Yes man, this is how you have to listen to this“. Musical goes straight to the heart and he shows this perfectly😍👍
I was fortunate to see Colm Wilkinson on Broadway during the first year. He and the entire original Broadway cast were incredible and gave one of the best performances I had ever seen on Broadway. His accent added to this music and songs. His acting and his expertise bringing Valjean to life is a great memory. One of the finest Broadway performances in its history.
Alfie Boe and the 25th Anniversary concert is my favorite Les Mis cast. I've seen it online but their performances are truly sublime.
Alfie Boe will always be my favourite ValJean. It makes me sad more people don't react to this version of the show.
Thank you Marc for this reaction. I have watched both of these performances many times, Colm set the bar...Alfie sets a different bar. I cry every time i watch Alfie, I get sad with Colm, but i just don't feel the same deep down emotion. Love the videos, please continue.
If you could get to Murray Head in Chess, I'd love that.
Best Wishes.
I'll do my best. Thank you!
I saw the original show with Colm [Michael Ball then aged 22 was a wonderful Marius!]. I also saw Alfie Ball in the role. Both wonderful but I have seen the superlative John Owen Jones twice sing Valjean and he is brilliant. A wonderful 'Phantom' too. I would be interested in your view of his singing. [Yes, I am a Les Mis nut!]
*Same!* I just adore Les Mis. Its nice to know I'm not alone.
@@tillydee933 I first saw it with the original cast when I was very pregnant and as soon as the music started, my daughter started kicking me. She is now 34 years old and loves Les Mis too!
@@pmculley4, my mom used to play the soundtrack while she was pregnant with me 32 years ago. ;) Great moms, great minds. ;)
Boe
@@tillydee933 Absolutely!
I can see the passion in your face as you were listening 🎶. Beautiful
Why do you do this to me!? I opened TH-cam and was so excited to watch.... and it’s 19 hours away
Bahaha. im so sorry.
I could never articulate this so well, but you grasp my emotion. So well said!!
I saw Alfie Boe reprise his role as Valjean last summer in the concert they did on West End, in person his voice is just so rich and envelopes you. Michael Ball played opposite as Javert and it was INCREDIBLE. All the hairs on my arms stood on end. Love your videos Marc!
Mr. Wilkinson will always be Jean Valjean to me, but one thing I noticed with Mr. Boe's performance is that when he's initially singing to God, I notice a bit more hope in his expression... as if he's expecting God to answer. The face is almost content and at peace, because he trusts God will bring Marius safely home. Love both performances!
I'm so pleased that you decided Alfie Boe was good enough for your video.
I just found your reviews. I’m in love. You have such a direct, but kind way of analyzing someone’s voice & interpretation. Can wait to watch more!
Thank you so much
You give the best insight...so very thoughtful.
Both are masters of their craft! Being able to sing in that high range with such emotion and being able to sustain those long notes is amazing. I prefer the open vowels of Colm (saw him perform Val Jean back in the day) to Alfie. And watching back to back amazing performances has just set me weeping.
Loved this so much thanks and keep on doing what your doing mate love it
Thank you so much Liam
Alfie’s version almost sings like a lullaby. There’s definitely a sweetness to it.
Like a prayer
Both did a great job in this role, but Colm is ICONIC. Like you said, when you're the original, you set a standard. His standard is just too damn high. I loved the simple spotlight on him. Like you mentioned with Alfie, it's that ethereal like one in one with God moment the song elicits. A little of topic, but I love the full circle acknowledgment that galena with Colm and Les Misersbles. He is the original Valjean, he reprises the role for the 10th anniversary, he's brought on stage to sing "bring him home" as a quartet with alfie in the 25th anniversary as an encore, and he plays the Monsignor of the abbey in the movie. The final scene in the movie when Valjean did and Colm as the monsignor welcomes Valjean brought me to tears. I say do circle cuz when you think Les Miserables you have to think of Colm.
Alfie has a more operatic tone in this role throughout the show. That is his interpretation, and as a personal taste, not a fan. However, again, great performer. The internal prayer like version he takes draws you in to him. Soo good.
Alfie was one of the FEW good things about the 25th anniversary. There were sooo many bad decisions. Lea Salonga is soo much better as Eponine in the dream cast recording. I don't understand why everyone wants to be Fantine. She has one good song and does within the first half hour. I'm not going to even comment on who they cast as Marius in the 25th anniversary cast. That was disgusting.
Sorry for the long post. Les Misersbles is in my top 3 musicals of all time. Thanks for posting
Love these reacts. I would love "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" with Redmayne or Michael Ball and Karimloo
Hmmm good choices. I'll get to it for sure.
Michael Ball is still my favourite and best Marius, seen this show so many times and no one yet has matched Michael, closest I’ve found is Eddie Redmayne.
My dad always says that this show was his emotional awakening. This show is absolutely worthy of that sentiment.
So happy i've found your channel. I'm a big musical theatre fan that knows nothing about musical theory, so I really appretiate the little details you point out and all these insights on how it is meant to be sung and all, and how sweet and positive you're about it. That's a rare combination on TH-cam.
I love both these performances, but Colm will always be my Valjean (and my Phantom for that matter! 🙌🏻 Canadian Cast). A missed opportunity by not splicing in the Encore from the 25th concert with all the Valjean’s singing Bring Him Home together and holding that incredible note. ❤️
What if I wanted that to be a whole other video on its own?
Marc Daniel Patrick That would be amazing!! ❤️
I love that there wasn't a "winner" - I agree, both are brilliant. I enjoy your videos, thank you for pointing out voicing techniques that untrained people like me wouldn't know!
Alfie has beautiful, clear vocals. Perfect. I get the chills from Wilkinson.
I agree :)
From the first time I heard him sing, I have loved Alfie Boe's beautiful voice. He gets so into the moment in this song, and just owns it. It comes from his very soul.
I had the joy of seeing Colm in Les Miserables. I've since seen other Valjeans who were very good, but Colm will always be the best for bringing the emotion to the role.
Great review as usual. I love Colm Wilkinson as Valjean, you always love your first. This song only works for me in the performance of the full show, it’s not the punch in the gut like Empty Chairs at Empty Tables or other Les Mis songs on the soundtrack. I totally respect the talent needed to perform it, it’s just not anchored in my heart like others on their own.
Thank you Christine.
Cannot wait for this Marc 2 heavyweights of MT had the pleasure of seeing both of them when they were /are in their prime
I just came upon your site. I must say, to watch ‘your’ facial expressions while watching the performers is most endearing. The respect you show is wonderful. I will continue to watch your site and ‘learn’ from you. Bless you.
So interesting to hear your expert opinions. Love both interpretations, but Alfie is just so brilliant!
I loved that they cast Wilkinson in the movie!
OMG love this. Please do more side by sides from old vs new versions of the same Les Mis song. This is by far one of my fav 3 Broadway shows ever (Fiddler, Les Mis, Phantom are all tied)
Do you think Alfie goes for a quieter, more subdued sound in the beginning because he imagines himself when in character as Valjean because he sings this during the night/early morning as the only one on stage "awake" at the barricade? And a quiet moment where Valjean allows himself a moment of vulnerability because he is scared about losing Marius, not being able to save him and he getting killed also?
What makes Colm's version better than others is that it is a prayer of a man who had been through a living hell for half his life, who suffered and despaired, and was given a life. A life that he knew would soon end either figuratively when Cosette leaves him for Marius or literally after a hard life. I don't hear that with other singers. They're singing the prayer - Colm's Valjean is living that prayer.