Overture / Work Song (Les Misérables)
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Overture / Work Song is the first performance in Act I of Les Misérables. Though sometimes thought of as two separate songs (one being the instrumental introduction, the other being the songs of the prisoners), it is generally regarded as one song. The lyrics open with a choir of imprisoned men, but the main song is a duet between Jean Valjean (prisoner) and Javert (officer).
The music is generally slow paced (with both the choir and Jean Valjean), with low brass and string instrumentation behind. Being an overture, it does have a very loud and simple, though forceful, beginning before voices are heard. It also introduces two of the main characters of the show (Valjean and Javert). In the original French version of the musical, this song is known as Le Bagne: Pitié, Pitié. The music is very often reused throughout the show; as is the song's "refrain" ("Look down" in english, "Pitié" (en: pity) in french).
[edit] Overview
Primarily Jean Valjean and Javert sing the vocals to the song, outlining an argument over Valjean's rightful place (whether to be in prison or allowed in society). Valjean reveals then that he was put in jail for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread to sustain his starving family. Javert proceeds to state that the crime was robbery, and he was therefore sentenced to five years in jail for it; he only stayed longer because of attempted escapes. Valjean also insists on being called by his real name, whereas Javert doesn't stop calling him by his prison number, 24601 (which he will do throughout the whole musical).
