I love hearing different interpretations. I think he did a beautiful job. Phillip Quast is still my favorite but this is my second because he puts in so much emotion. His version of the soliloquy is perfection.
Michael Ball is just too much. He has the BEST diction. It's the first time I could understand every word of this song. I think they slowed it down a little which makes more dramatic, in my opinion. He didn't need to move about the stage but simply stood in one spot...and it worked well. So dramatic waiting until the last moments to raise his arm with the sword. Fabulous.
I understand the comments comparing Ball to Quast. I think so many of us own the DVD of the PBS 10th Anniversary Performance with so many of the stars who defined their rolls, and have watched it dozens of times. Ball with his lighter lyric baritone and phrasing will always be Marius in my heart, but it's still amazing that he could attempt the roll of Javert with the darker tones of the lower part of his range, which are weak. Javert is a complicated character. He is not a villain- just the perfect foil for Jean Valjean. Quast with his heavier voice and perfect physical interpretation has no competition. This saying, Norm Lewis is a close second.
@@williamfairchild7439 He should take on the role of Jean Valjean in the London production of "Les Misérables". Imelda Staunton would be eminently suited to play Madame Thénardier.
I love this! I've always loved Michael Ball and he nailed it! Philip Quast will only be the benchmark original, but M. Ball did the song justice (pun not intended).
Philip Quast is my favorite as well. But I have to note that Michael was sick when they filmed this. He had a horrible chest cold. Saw him perform it a few weeks prior and his full voice was spectacular.
I liked his version. However my favorite Javair is Norm Lewis. Micheal Ball version of Empty Chairs and Empty Tables no one can beat. Michael Ball is gold.
I think the comments comparing him to PQ are fair in that Ball’s performance is much softer and does lack the exacting conviction of Quast’s, but I think it’s a different interpretation rather than a failure of performance. MB is portraying a version of Javert who is driven not by a rigid adherence to a strict moral code (like PQ) but instead by faith in a God who ordains right and wrong - not in the Right and Wrong itself. You can see the conviction in Ball at the end of the song. I ultimately prefer Quast as his intensity is unmatched, but I think it’s fairer to Ball to call this his own interpretation rather than a failure to match Quast’s intensity.
My favorite Javert is Quast as well, but just want to add that Michael was sick when this was filmed. He had a horrible chest cold. Saw the show in London three weeks prior and his full voice performance was amazing.
Hey NBC, you know you own the rights to the 25th Anniversary Concert too right? I mean, it's great that you're posting Les Miserables content, but I think we could all use some Norm Lewis, Ramin Karimloo, and Samantha Barks.
Firstly I just want to start by saying that I Love Michael Ball, But his Interperation Of "Stars" I find very underwhealming, he is an excellent vocalist but here it just seems to fall flat. Philip Quast will Always be "MY" Javert. Allthough I did see Jemery Secomb perform the role last year and he was Fantastic in the part, almost as good as Quast
YESSSSS THANK YOU FOR YOUR OUTSTANDING COMMENTARY!! I mean it, you are absolutely right!! Philip quast is and was the best Javert and no-one can tip that scale!!
I agree. I love Michael Ball in almost everything he does. Javert is definitely not one of those. His Soliloquy/Suicide at the end reminds me of Chris Farleys Van down by the river bit.
That was my though too. I love Michael Ball but not this version of Stars. Philip Quast killed it and Norm Lewis was a close second in my opinion. Stars need that anger that he couldn't give.
1000% with you on Mr. Quast's interpretation. It communicates a certain moral stridency and inflexibility that is central to the character. Also no belly vibrato.
@@jerrycaddie838 Don't be conflicted. Michael Ball is a wonderful and popular singer in Great Britain, and was the perfect Marius. But he can't be everything. Philip Quast defined Javert. Javert must be a physical and vocal foil for Jean Valjean to make the drama work.
Well that says a lot about you. Just because someone is a big name doesn’t mean they’re good. I really don’t get the big deal with Michael Ball, he’s very average. I’m actually disappointed that I bought tickets for the arena show for one of the performances with Michael Ball as Javert. I’d really have preferred Bradley Jaden.
Michael Ball can sing the phone book he's brilliant This was a Phillip Quest song so he sings it different so what there is only one singer to do Empty Table and Chairs and that is of course Michael Ball who else put more emotion and raises both arms at end but him
Hmm… although I enjoyed his version of this iconic song… I just don’t get that sense of conviction and obsession of wanting to hunt down JV and bring him to justice.
Devoid of emotional conviction and decisiveness that he will capture and punish JV. The singing is technically good but not enough. It is safe but not memorable. He's NOT a good fit for this role. IMHO.
Sorry but no. I love Michael Ball but not in Javert. You can hear he’s preparing to hit the notes and it’s a bit sluggish. This is not a lullaby. He’s pulling on fatigued vocal cords and taking the dynamics out of the song. He wants to resonate the notes he can manage, and avoid other ones. It’s honorable, bit it’s just not in character. He was never a barytone anyways. This Javert is just too soft and slow. You can’t see the anger and devotion in the eyes no more than is the voice.
Is that Ball's best impression of Phllip Quast? C'mon Bally, this song isn't for you, I don't believe a single word of it. That's a thumbs down from me!
I love hearing different interpretations. I think he did a beautiful job. Phillip Quast is still my favorite but this is my second because he puts in so much emotion. His version of the soliloquy is perfection.
It’s too sweet for Javert!!! He has to be menacing
when I read the book I never pictured Javert with a big dimple. LOL
Love love love this!
Fantastic musical ! ❤
Michael Ball is just too much. He has the BEST diction. It's the first time I could understand every word of this song. I think they slowed it down a little which makes more dramatic, in my opinion. He didn't need to move about the stage but simply stood in one spot...and it worked well. So dramatic waiting until the last moments to raise his arm with the sword. Fabulous.
Look up Hadley Fraser’s version
@@michelleadams5609
I understand the comments comparing Ball to Quast. I think so many of us own the DVD of the PBS 10th Anniversary Performance with so many of the stars who defined their rolls, and have watched it dozens of times.
Ball with his lighter lyric baritone and phrasing will always be Marius in my heart, but it's still amazing that he could attempt the roll of Javert with the darker tones of the lower part of his range, which are weak.
Javert is a complicated character. He is not a villain- just the perfect foil for Jean Valjean.
Quast with his heavier voice and perfect physical interpretation has no competition.
This saying, Norm Lewis is a close second.
Wonderful ❤
Micheal does a respectable job here. It almost sounds too "pretty" for the character of Javert. Phillip Quast, on the other hand, is perfection!
Love Michael Ball in any role. Powerful!
He's back as Javert in the UK run of Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular starting in September this year
@@williamfairchild7439 He should take on the role of Jean Valjean in the London production of "Les Misérables". Imelda Staunton would be eminently suited to play Madame Thénardier.
I love this! I've always loved Michael Ball and he nailed it! Philip Quast will only be the benchmark original, but M. Ball did the song justice (pun not intended).
Philip Quast is my favorite as well. But I have to note that Michael was sick when they filmed this. He had a horrible chest cold. Saw him perform it a few weeks prior and his full voice was spectacular.
Great song ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉
I liked his version. However my favorite Javair is Norm Lewis. Micheal Ball version of Empty Chairs and Empty Tables no one can beat. Michael Ball is gold.
Hello twin!!! I love this version because it is a different interpretation sung well. His dictation is perfect and his tone stellar.
I think the comments comparing him to PQ are fair in that Ball’s performance is much softer and does lack the exacting conviction of Quast’s, but I think it’s a different interpretation rather than a failure of performance. MB is portraying a version of Javert who is driven not by a rigid adherence to a strict moral code (like PQ) but instead by faith in a God who ordains right and wrong - not in the Right and Wrong itself. You can see the conviction in Ball at the end of the song. I ultimately prefer Quast as his intensity is unmatched, but I think it’s fairer to Ball to call this his own interpretation rather than a failure to match Quast’s intensity.
les mis >>>>
Michael is great what he does like Lea Salonga was my Eponie but a great Fantine
Agree
My favorite Javert is Quast as well, but just want to add that Michael was sick when this was filmed. He had a horrible chest cold. Saw the show in London three weeks prior and his full voice performance was amazing.
Preciosa
wow
Great Job Michael
❤❤❤
For Me Roger Allam was a much underrated Javert his dictation wasn't like other Javert's but he made the part his own a powerful Believable Javert.
Hey NBC, you know you own the rights to the 25th Anniversary Concert too right? I mean, it's great that you're posting Les Miserables content, but I think we could all use some Norm Lewis, Ramin Karimloo, and Samantha Barks.
Could you please add details about the recordings in your descriptions?
Firstly I just want to start by saying that I Love Michael Ball, But his Interperation Of "Stars" I find very underwhealming, he is an excellent vocalist but here it just seems to fall flat. Philip Quast will Always be "MY" Javert. Allthough I did see Jemery Secomb perform the role last year and he was Fantastic in the part, almost as good as Quast
YESSSSS THANK YOU FOR YOUR OUTSTANDING COMMENTARY!! I mean it, you are absolutely right!! Philip quast is and was the best Javert and no-one can tip that scale!!
I agree. I love Michael Ball in almost everything he does. Javert is definitely not one of those. His Soliloquy/Suicide at the end reminds me of Chris Farleys Van down by the river bit.
Great vocals but he’s not angry enough for the moment. He was outstanding as Marius.
That was my though too. I love Michael Ball but not this version of Stars. Philip Quast killed it and Norm Lewis was a close second in my opinion. Stars need that anger that he couldn't give.
1000% with you on Mr. Quast's interpretation. It communicates a certain moral stridency and inflexibility that is central to the character. Also no belly vibrato.
❤
This is too trippy
I was like "This guy is horrible" then I found out it was Michael Ball and now im truly conflicted.....
@@jerrycaddie838 Don't be conflicted.
Michael Ball is a wonderful and popular singer in Great Britain, and was the perfect Marius. But he can't be everything.
Philip Quast defined Javert. Javert must be a physical and vocal foil for Jean Valjean to make the drama work.
@@brandywineblogger1411 Right! So whats the point of casting him?????
Well that says a lot about you. Just because someone is a big name doesn’t mean they’re good. I really don’t get the big deal with Michael Ball, he’s very average. I’m actually disappointed that I bought tickets for the arena show for one of the performances with Michael Ball as Javert. I’d really have preferred Bradley Jaden.
@@picknmiks4318 Says a lot about me? Relax buddy its not that deep
"What Cops Believe"
Michael Ball can sing the phone book he's brilliant This was a Phillip Quest song so he sings it different so what there is only one singer to do Empty Table and Chairs and that is of course Michael Ball who else put more emotion and raises both arms at end but him
Michael Ball sings stars with emotion and feeling sad to read your negativity!
I personally hope Michael Ball does the Phantom in POTO. It’s time
Vocal coach reacts
Hmm… although I enjoyed his version of this iconic song… I just don’t get that sense of conviction and obsession of wanting to hunt down JV and bring him to justice.
For me Michael McCarthy is Javert, but I had a look here to see if Michael Ball was as poor as I feared he would be. He was.
Devoid of emotional conviction and decisiveness that he will capture and punish JV. The singing is technically good but not enough. It is safe but not memorable. He's NOT a good fit for this role. IMHO.
Any idea why he lisping so much in this performance?
Sorry but no. I love Michael Ball but not in Javert. You can hear he’s preparing to hit the notes and it’s a bit sluggish. This is not a lullaby. He’s pulling on fatigued vocal cords and taking the dynamics out of the song. He wants to resonate the notes he can manage, and avoid other ones. It’s honorable, bit it’s just not in character. He was never a barytone anyways. This Javert is just too soft and slow. You can’t see the anger and devotion in the eyes no more than is the voice.
It’s not as neither dramatic or dynamic as the original!
there are so many actors that play Javert far better than him
Is that Ball's best impression of Phllip Quast? C'mon Bally, this song isn't for you, I don't believe a single word of it. That's a thumbs down from me!
👏👏👏👏👍♥️