Les Miserables (1998 Film Version) [SOUNDTRACK]

Basil Poledouris

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 21, 1998)
• Original Release Date: May 1, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Hollywood Records
• ASIN: B000000OLG
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #61,396 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Suite 1, Valjean's Journey: Theme from Les Misérables/The ...

2. Suite 2, Vigau: Javert Suspects/Caring for Fantine/Valjean's ...

3. Suite 3, Paris: Valjean and Cosette/The Wall/Outside/Marius and ...

4. Suite 4, the Barricades: Funeral Attack/Valjean Saves Marius/Farewell

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling and Majestic, December 9, 1999

By	Emily Snyder (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

There are few soundtracks that set my blood racing: this is one of them. Mr. Poledouris' musical rendition for Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" is, quite simply, epic. From the prison quarries to Paris, from the struggle between mercy and justice (Val Jean and Javert), to tenderness and battle (Cosette and the ABC Club), Poledouris has captured it all. The main theme evokes images not only the policeman on the hunt, but the students on the barricade - in one spectacular brass arrangement. A particular favourite is the beginning of track three, where the simplicity of Val Jean and Cosette's relationship (in a delicate flute) is suddenly contrasted with the bustle of the Parisian streets (in bubbling woodwinds and strings). Perhaps the only complaint is that the CD has four tracks (or suites), making the voluntary shift between individual strains difficult to impossible. However, this limitation DOES retain the epic congruity of the novel and the album, a stroke of thoughtful genius from the label. Lovers of the novel, the movie, the play, or simply majestic symphonies, will well enjoy this brilliant composition.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Evocative, Beautiful, Brooding, October 19, 1998

By	Christopher S. O'Brien ([e-mail]) (Williamsburg, VA) - See all my reviews

Poledouris has outdone himself with this composition. His music evokes the crystal style of Ennio Morricone and the cinematic majesty of John Williams. It reflects a conversion from light to dark and completes the painting that is the film. In his composition we hear the brooding of Javert's soul, the love and compassion of Valjean. True to the literary work, both the score and the film focus their attention on the conflict between the redeemed Valjean and the obsessed Javert. The score is insightful on a personal level, allowing the listener the realization that darkness exists in all of us, but that darkness is merely the absense of light, the light of human compassion and love. Superb on a technical level, creatively beautiful, this score makes a fine addition to any personal music library, classical or otherwise.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Addition to any collection!!!, January 7, 2002

By	Laurel Kirkland (USA) - See all my reviews

What can I say? I like the movie, I love the soundtrack. Some people have complained that it isn't divided up into small enough segments. At first, I was puzzled too, but I soon came to love being able to turn it on and have the most wonderful background mood music. It is particularly nice when I just want to lie down and rest, or do some writing. I don't find it as distracting as so much other music. All in all I would have to say, I take my hat off the Basil Poledouris!!!