Valjean Arrested & Forgiven
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Valjean Arrested & Forgiven is the third song in the first act of Les Misérables. It is sung by the Bishop of Digne, and two police officers. The two together carry a theme to the tone of their music.
The beginning of the song is considerably loud and fast-paced, while the officers sing, but becomes much softer and slower when the Bishop takes over the conversation.
The melody sung by the constables is a theme later often taken up by Javert (Fantine's Arrest, The Runaway Cart, The Robbery or Javert's Arrival to name a few), the melody sung by the bishop then taken up by whoever Javert is speaking to (e. g. Fantine and Bamatabois in Fantine's Arrest). In the original French version of the musical, this number is known as L'évêque de Digne (the bishop of Digne).
[edit] Overview
Before the song begins, Valjean is seen stealing objects from the Bishop's house (which he had been graciously invited off the streets in to), to make an escape with them for food + money. He is caught by two officers who question him on how he obtained the expensive items from the reverend. The two constables (correctly) accuse him of stealing and prepare to arrest him; when the Bishop steps in. Out of goodness he protects Valjean, and verifies his story about having given him the items. After which he gives Valjean his most prized and expensive possessions (two silver candlesticks). As the constables leave, the bishop tells Valjean to use the silver to become an honest man and that he has bought Valjean's soul from the darkness to give it to God.
Valjean Arrested & Forgiven, though aimed entirley at Jean Valjean, has no vocals by him.
