Category: Laste 20th century musical theatre
Composer: Boubil and Schonberg
Song Background
Having chosen the song 'Bring him home' for my vocal repertoire this term, it is important that I actually watched the play or film to gain an understanding of the songs context. Les Misérables Is set around the time of the French Revolution, following a series of characters who are connected over the period in which the story is set. Valjeans adoptive daughter has fallen in love with a revolutionary, but he is very protective of her. However, a letter from Marius reveals his love of Cossette and his soul to Valjean, but Marius is due to be be involved in an attack on a barrack. Valjean sees that Marius is an honest man, he sees him like the son he never had, his spiritual son. This leads to the song, Bring him home', being sung at this moment.
Many years later, Marius discovers Valjean had saved him. This is due to connections with the Inn Keepers who had been involved in the earlier story. Valjean is in a Convent and sings the song again. This time is is to reconnect with his son/daughter. The relationship is strange, because Valjean had considered Marius his son before they had met. This was because Valjean had become convinced of Marius' integrity but the words of his letter to Cossette.
I came to the song Bring him home as it has a song I had been using to help me work towards my head space and finding my range. This song is generally for tenors, where as I am more into the Baritone range. I have a backing track that is in a lower range and I am comfortable singing in key with the music.
There are many different version of the song out there, from stage or film productions, but also solo versions. I enjoyed listening to the different versions, but it was too challenging too try and match an experienced and technical singer such as Alfie Boe. Perhaps in time, I will be able to get closer to this version.
Variations
Alfie Boe
Hugh Jackman (film)
Josh Groban
Lower Key backing Track
Lyrics
Song Progress
Near to final
With this version I have dropped a key 1or 2 scales. I am not trying to be too technical or force it too high. I have am now using mostly a pop/rock voice for the verses as I feel more comfortable singing in this style for most of the song. I am able to use a more operatic style for the chorus and the belt sections. Obviously, this is a tenors song, but I decided to showcase the song as I became attached to the song and had quickly picked up the pattern. However, I had made the song difficult for myself, by trying to match Alfie Boe. I have simplified the song and brought it into a comfortable range. I will still need to produce a cleaner version, but I feel more confident with this song now.
Final Version
I have been able to interpret my own version of the song. I have performed the song within my own comfort range and only going high for various parts such as Home. This song was the most challenging to perform as it is a tenor song. I also applied emotion for the song. Although it may not be suitable for a professional production of Les Miserable, I do now appreciate my own interpretation.
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