re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
#1Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 12:45am
Does it make anyone else sick to see how many musicians they cut in the new "revival"?
from 5 violins to 1!!
#1re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 8:27am
The reduction was done when the show moved from the Palace to The Queens two years ago - it was unlikely that, having found they could get away with it, they'd put the musicians back in for Broadway 
Updated On: 12/12/06 at 08:27 AM
#2re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 9:17amWhen I saw the show, I personally didn't notice any real difference until MASTER OF THE HOUSE. And this is my favorite show ever. I've seen seen it many, many times.
tomorrowcomes
Swing Joined: 12/12/06
#3re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 5:19pm
Actually, I didn't mind the new orchestrations. It changed the feel somewhat of certain songs (at least to me), but I don't think the overall effect was bad. Just different.
And honestly, it wasn't that noticeable unless you are completely fanatical about the show. And even then, it might not be that apparent. The changes were mostly pretty subtle. Unless you were listening for it, which I was.
Fosse76
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
#4re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 5:24pmWait...the revival has orchestrations?
#5re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 5:29pm
The Queens Theatre production uses the original orchestrations, simply played by fewer musicians. Based on what I heard in the Broadwayworld video preview, the revival uses NEW orchestrations, also (sadly) played by a reduced number of musicians.
Updated On: 12/12/06 at 05:29 PM
COOOOLkid
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/15/05
#6re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 5:29pm
It felt the drums were overpowering a little bit. But otherwise, I loved it! 
theminutepast
Broadway Star Joined: 2/1/06
#7re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 5:33pmI haven't seen the revival yet, but I have heard the clips and some full songs from the revival. I really dislike what they have done. On My Own sounds like a high school pit is trying to play it. It isn't as fluid. And now there is a drum roll before the last verse, too. I mean, seriously, a drum roll? Before I heard any of the clips, I was excited. Now I expect it to be painful to watch when I go in January.
#8re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 6:04pm
well, i know that it might sound the same, mostly. but thats because they are simply replacing instruments with synths to save $$$
They didnt "re-invent" or "re-orchestrate" they just CUT
At least to me the pit doesnt sound the same as in the original, and it hurts me to see that a show that has grossed so much would cut these musicians just to make a little extra money
#9re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 6:51pmhonestly when i went mid november i barely noticed during most songs-but I did notice the change in On My Own and at first was like huh? but then i got used to it and enjoyed it
#10re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 6:55pm
Yeah personally, I'm a big fan of the new orchestrations.
:)
#11re: Les Mis Revival Orchestrations
Posted: 12/12/06 at 8:04pmI don't think the orchestrations are bad. I think in some places they work and some places they don't. I heard a noticable (and not great) change in "Master of the House", but I was pleasantly surprised with "I Dreamed a Dream". The new orchestrations just take a while to get used to if you've heard Les Mis before.
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