Les Miserables Overture

[CJ N2N]

Posted: 10/23/12 at 3:21pm

I know it's not technically an overture per say, but here's my question:

I was listening to the Original London Cast for the first time on youtube today and was really surprised to hear a different opening "overture" (as opposed to the opening on all subsequent recordings). It sounded like the opening of "At the End of the Day" but in a minor key.

When and why was it changed to the current "Look Down" theme (which I personally like a LOT better)?

Updated On: 10/23/12 at 03:21 PM

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 10/23/12 at 3:24pm

I think it was changed when it transferred from the Barbican.

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 10/23/12 at 5:11pm

I kinda enjoy the gloomy original overture. I admit, while I saw Les Miz twice on tour in the 80s (both Canadian national tours, I believe, though the second one may have been North American), I know the score almost completely from the OLC, which is all I listen to, so am always thrown when I hear the many (fairly minor) changes--when I flip on one of the concert performances that for a while were always on PBS, for example.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 10/23/12 at 6:14pm

When it began performances at The Barbican, the overture was slightly different again. It was the same theme but was exactly the same as the one at the start of "At The End of the Day" (i.e Major, not Minor).

When it opened at The Palace, it became the 5-1 theme we all know and love! Updated On: 10/23/12 at 06:14 PM

[sueb1863]

Posted: 10/23/12 at 8:00pm

I wonder if they'll open the movie with the overture, or just go straight into 'Look Down'?

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 10/24/12 at 5:21am

Well as the OP said, it's not really an overture, it's part of the prologue, so I don't see why not.