This was a GOAT performance. No one will EVER do it better than Lea did. The way she ran out of breath at the climax was so emotional and heartbreaking. And not only her singing, but the way she physically portrayed Eponine was just perfect.
Ruthie Henshall on "I Dreamed a Dream" and Philip Quast on "Stars" were also amazing and Colm Wlkinson's "Bring Him Home" is still the bar all other's have tried to reach.
Elizabeth always provides great analysis while being so down to earth with her charming personality. For this performance, she is a fangirl, gushing over a truly remarkable vocalist.
Pinoy power! Lea is definitely unmatched. I love the quality of her voice and she carries emotion in every song I've heard her sing. It's not just limited to musicals.
Another thing to note is something another reactor has pointed out: is how she fully immerses herself in the character she is portraying. Especially here. Even though she is singing in a "concert" setting, she doesn't break character. She is Eponine from start to finish. Her perfectionism comes from having to be constantly struggling to prove herself. She had many critics when she first started ( being the first Asian performer to be cast in a major role on Broadway ). She faced a lot of criticism and prejudices, so she had to be absolutely perfect all the time. She could not afford to make any mistakes. But all that hard work has paid off because she has become a highly respected and admired performer with an undeniable world-class talent.
In the 25th anniversary concert, she played Fantine. Both versions (10th Eponine, 25th Fantine) are amazing!! I love this woman so much!!! She's so incredibly talented!!!
Her voice is like clean spring water. It shimmers but is clear and refreshing and carries so much energy and emotion. Full body goosebumps. She is an amazing singer. The way you become so excited while explaining why the vocals are so flippin cool makes me love the music even more than I already did. It's hard not to get excited along with you.
The 10th anniversary performance at royal Albert hall is without a doubt the finest performance across all genres. This show was absolute perfection. Colm Wilkinson is simply exquisite as Valjean. Philip Quast is phenomenal as Javert. It's truly a perfect cast performing a perfect show. I vote for your next Les Mis video to be Bring Him Home or I Dreamed a Dream from the 10th anniversary show!
Thanks for answering my question I was about to ask: I have seen this clip of this song tens of times, but I have never yet seen the entire show because I didn't know which was THE version to watch.
This is world class singing and acting, just look at her facial expressions, when the lyrics are sad she is sad, when they are cheerful even if just for a second or two she shines and gives a faint smile. She is living the lyrics and giving it to us to enjoy. Fantastic.
What a great surprise to see you cover this! I still remember the first time I saw this as a teen music student. My Dad thought it was hilarious seeing me in my room with Michael Jackson posters on the wall and wearing my Iron Maiden t-shirt watching this on repeat! (I had a crush on Lea after this. 😆 ) This whole performance is phenomenal and still made my eyes well up by the first line. Now you’ll have to cover the outstanding Colm Wilkinson too! Maybe “Bring Him Home”? I’m interested to see how many other Les Mis fans are on the channel.
Same. I was well into my death metal phase jamming out to Les Mis during PBS pledge drives because that was always the best programming. There's no way Charismatic Voice lady is older than me but I assume this is a total fan girl video for her.
My GOD I love her voice! So much emotion and depth, vulnerability and strength. She's the perfect Eponine. Her debut performance in Miss Saigon is jaw-dropping. She deserves all the accolades.
It's interesting how Les Miserables has changed for me as I've aged. When I first saw it as a young man, the loneliness and hopeful longing of On My Own really spoke to me; but decades later, I was surprised to find myself much more affected by Fantine's I Dreamed a Dream -- her deep anger and regret moved me to tears.
"Lea at her absolute best! And Elizabeth at her absolute best!" Elizabeth talked often about the work Lea put into performance. Well, it didn't go unnoticed by me to realize the work Elizabeth put into her presentation, as well. I, too, have listened to this video many, manty times and Elizabeth's editing was masterful. We felt the full emotion of the song while Elizabeth told us what was going on. Can you imagine being in that audience listening to Lea sing as she did? They had to be totally stunned even though they knew the song she was about to sing. This was a great video. Congratulations, Elizabeth, you were spectacular.
Lea Salonga is AMAING. When you listen to her as Kim in Miss Saigon she has all of this control and she is barely 18 in that production. If you happen to listen to the Complete Symphonic Recording of Les Mis, Kaho Shimada plays Eponine. She originated the role in Japan, and was selected for this ENGLISH sung album...she (at the time) did not know any English and learned how to sing the song in English in a very short time. She KILLED IT! Check it out.
i loved kaho shimada's performance as eponine! i preferred her version to lea's; there's a sweetness to her voice that i adore. lea's is powerful but i don't /feel/ as much from her performance as eponine, for some reason
My favorite performance of my favorite song from Les Miserables. She is amazing, the love that Eponine has for Marius is beautifully tragic and this performance shows that
Love your enthusiasm in analyzing this performance. Lea is truly amazing. I hope you'll do reactions to more of her performances - there are so many worth watching!!! Every "I love him" - where you see a different thought behind each one - takes my breath away.
omg, so happy to have this video. I've been wanting to see Elizabeth analyze this performance ever since I discovered the channel. I have seen this performance so many times and each time I get goosebumps. Amazing stuff. Other performances from this concert I'd love to have Elizabeth analyze: Philip Quast performing "Stars" Colm Wilkinson performing "Bring Him Home"
Elizabeth, you are such a fangirl... and i love it. This reaction made me really happy and you are absolutely right, Lea Salonga is awesome. However, now that you started this, you have to react to other Les Miserables songs as well. For example, "I dreamed a Dream" or "Bring him Home".
I absolutely love how in-depth you went with this. It is really easy to overlook just how powerful this performance is because she does it so effortlessly. Because she makes it look easy people just assume that it is easy and it is anything but. Her performance in the Saigon is literally one of my favorite things I’ve seen.
Ahh! I love that you did this one. I'm not a singer at all, but I've watched this performance soooo many times. Perfect example of the power of great vocals to give you goosebumps and raise the hairs on your neck.
Lea Salonga is amazing. If you have not heard Kaho Shimada on the Complete Symphonic recording with the international cast, you need to do so ASAP. Her take on this song is ethereal.
I fell in love with Les Miserables my junior year of high school and have been in love with it for 30 years. This song, in particular, has been a favorite. I've heard Frances Ruffelle sing this song on the original London cast hundreds of times. Lea Salonga does a fantastic job as Eponine. Love this version. Thank you for showcasing it.
The prime acknowledgement of Lea's greatness is your willingness to do this video. You probably know her whole repertoire, yet she still 18:05 gives you chills.
The ability to balance the attack at the start of each line and seamlessly dialing back to an intense but not overwhelming note highlighted by the significant vibrato, in the first major break down. Such technical mastery exemplified in such a short time it's impressive even if I'm not a fan of this music.
My favourite musical and one of the stand-out performances. I would love Colm Wilkinson's 'Let Him Live' reviewed as well, his control through the entire song is amazing, but the last note is so haunting.
Okay, I turned that notification on again already! I mean, how could I not. Lea's singing is heartstopping. In Les Misérables, she played both Éponine and Fantine on Broadway, and also on their 10th and 25th anniversary respectively. When I first heard the 10th Anniversary (got it on DVD) I was blown away by the exceptional cast. Especially Lea and Colm. Though I have a hard time putting that dvd on nowadays since I got wind of Colm's abusive behavior.
I have no reason to believe that the behavior did not happen. And yet, there has been no word from any other production that Wilkinson was in that this kind of behavior was present. So I am not excusing Mr. Wilkinson, but I do wonder if he was encouraged to make the character more abusively violent. It points to conditions that exist in certain productions that were (are) just not managed well, compassionately, or safely, for the actors involved, in the name of "dramatic presentation". It is a terribly sad story that NEVER should have happened.
The absolute joy on your face even though you've heard it before is what makes this performance so incredible. I've watched it a lot as well and it never gets boring
3:20 - That tiny change in your expression as Lea delivers her first line is ever so subtle, and yet one of the purest and most affecting reactions I've seen. So much said with so little!
This is the most epic performance I have ever experienced. I have certainly heard and seen this at least a thousand times, but I still can't get through it without tearing up. Lea Salonga is an angel! And she is THE Eponine. ❤
One of my favorite performances of anything, ever. I've watched the whole performance several times, and this one dozens of times. Always with tears along the way.
Just LOVE her! Bravo Lea! 🤗💜👏 such great tone quality, timing, emotion she has it all, she gives me goosebumps and makes me well up, such talent xxx 💜💐
I love Les Mis so much! I grew up belting this song in my bedroom and performing for my mom. I'm pretty sure I sang it for drama class once in high-school as well. The music of Les Mis just has so much emotion and power, will always give me goosebumps and can still bring me to tears. This song in particular though always has a special place in my heart!
I love Lea and will listen to any song she sings, be it theatre or concerts as herself. Please continue to react to as many videos of her singing as you can, and I’ll watch
I love that when she tours and sings Disney songs she'll invite audience members to come up and sing duets with her. It's like a little boy's dream come true: singing with a Disney princess!
I saw Les Misérables live for the first time a few years ago and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. It's not my favourite musical (though it is up there), but I have NEVER been so moved watching a live performance. I had literal tear tracks down my face and completely ruined my makeup because I cried pretty much the whole way through lol If I ever saw Lea live, I'd probably just die 😆Just listening to this gave me full body goosebumps!
I laughed and loved my way through this whole video very teary eyed. Probably my fave song, from one of my fave musicals sung by my fave Disney princess. Lea is the GOAT and this and hellfire has very much reenthused my fascination with the awesome channel.
There is a concert version of "Reflection " from Mulan that Lea does that is the full version of the song. The version in the movie is cut in half, and the full version is even more moving. I'd love to see Elizabeth react and critique this astonishing performance.
I cannot offer new appreciation of Lea Salonga, since this exact rendition keeps astounding me as much every single time I watch and listen to it! Ut made me watch a documentary about her role in Miss Saigon and several other videos, but this is the one I keep coming back to. It really is perfection, in every conceivable way! And now I feel the need to watch Emmy Rossum sing The Phantom of the Opera", especially"Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again". Actually the entire movie, and then I need to rewatch "Les Miserables" to get the chills from Sarah Ramirez and the little boy that both blew the entire cast of A-listers out of the water! If still aluve and breathing after all that, it might be necessary to end the party by watching "Så Som I Himmelen", and thoroughly enjoy Gabriella's Song"... You would live that movie ans that song SO much, judging by the way you hve reacted to many of my favorites! Maybe you could find the movie with English subtitles? I feel that it's important to have gotten to know Gabriella's life before reacting to her song.
Quite a few years ago she appeared on a studio album of The King and I featuring Julie Andrews and Ben Kingsley. Lea Salonga did a fantastic version of "I Have Dreamed" with Peabo Bryson and she sang "My Lord, my Master." And of course you have Julie Andrews on it too.
Hearing Lea Salonga sing On My Own is like hearing the song for the first time all over again. Her interpretation is so genuine and layered, filled with the kind of depth that only an artist of her caliber can bring. Lea’s voice seems to carry Éponine’s inner world, making you feel every bit of her longing and sorrow. Witnessing Lea Salonga perform On My Own is like experiencing a storm of emotions-you’re swept into Éponine’s turmoil, her desperation and her longing laid bare with an intensity that’s almost overwhelming. Her voice aches with unrequited love, every word trembling with a passion so deep, it feels as though her heart might break right there on stage. It’s impossible to watch without being deeply moved, as Lea takes us to the brink of Éponine’s soul, revealing a level of humanity and pain that makes you feel like you’re right beside her, facing her heartbreak.
I love the passion , knowledge and realness that Elizabeth gives in all her reviews. This is a lady who just simply loves the art and process of music. Thank you 🙏
It's lovely how as she has aged (as we all do) her voice has continued to mature. Eponine to Fantine. She's simply wonderful to see in a live performance. ps Goosebumps every single time I get to sit and really listen to this.
Les Mis is without a doubt my absolute favourite musical, and this concert is sooooo good. Eponine's story is the most tragic of all of the main characters. Empty Chairs and Val Jean's Epilogue are the ones that always get me teary... I would love an analysis of the Epilogue from this concert.
Here I am a 60 year old man, never having knowingly heard Lea, and her performance put shivers and tingles through my body and in the end left me in tears. Such effortless perfection. Her voice is golden warmth, crystal clear, and so full of emotion. Thank you Elizabeth.
I too have listened to this performance over and over. It’s like an essential part of my life support system 😊 So very interesting hearing you explain all the things I love about how she delivers the lines. Makes me appreciate her even more. I’d need this performance on my desert island. Heartbreakingly gorgeous
I've loved this song ever since the I first saw Les Mis in movie form, but this performance blew me away. incredible, fabulous, such a gift. Thanks for posting this one!
I got a station on my Pandora based off Lea. Anytime the stress of the work day is getting to me, I put in my earbuds, go to that station, and the music in the rotation lifts my spirit.
I saw Les Mis at the Hollywood Bowl a few years ago. It was stunning. The actress doing this song walked off the stage and walked along the silver wall separating the inner circle from the rest of the seats. It made it really moving - like she was coming into the audience to sing. Just a great production.
I know nothing about singing, but this was so much fun to watch. Witnessing a really knowledgeable person geek out while communicating very specific information is one of the great pleasures of life. Lea Salonga is awesome, but you're also incredible
Watching you react to one of my favorite singers brought me so much joy! I know your musical theater and opera videos don’t bring in the most views, but those are my favorite genres, so I’m so happy you do make those videos!! Thank you! 💗
What an amazing performance!!! Thank you for sharing this Elizabeth. I wonder how many rock and metal fans that watch your channel have also become fans of the more classical styles after watching some of what you've shown us. I know I have! Show off some more any time you like!!!
Please. 🙄🙄 At least a third of the metal heads here are at least classical casuals. I'm one of the most fanatical metal fans here and I'm always asking for baroque opera to be on the channel. 😁😁 It's the pop and boomer rock fans that don't want to hear it. As usual. 👎👎
I was/am a huge Musical Fan before I discovered Metal etc ^^ I have seen Les Mis so many times live in London and in several German productions and been to the cinema to watch th 10th anyversary live on screen
I have seen Les Miserables live, and have this recording (I can't guess how many times I have watched it). This song has always been my favorite, and it's primarily because of her magnificent delivery. What a talent.
For THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW: Check out some of Elizabeth's operatic performances on here that uniquely qualify her to analyze any performance. Stunning control in her vocal prowess. Not just having range, but a fluidity as she projects her voice with emotion while maintaining a command of what each piece of music requires. I was never a big fan of Opera before, but going through her performances, one cannot help but appreciate the stunning nature of what she has accomplished vocally. She is next level...countless hours of dedication to the craft to pull off what she has done
I can't imagine a Top 5 list of female singers all time that does not include Lea. All genres, all times. Her voice is literally perfection. It simply cant be done any better
I absolutely love this channel. You are such an amazing human being. Watching your content provides me with precious moments of relaxation, which are especially necessary on days when my country (Israel) is in the midst of a horrible war, and my university studies have been delayed indefinitely. Every school and shop is closed, and we are not allowed to leave our houses. In times like these, your channel continues to inspire my passion for languages and singing. I particularly enjoyed your analyses of Aurora, System of a Down, and Rammstein. Thank you so much for what you do, and please keep going, blessing all of us with your gift for music.💌
Lesbian rebels! There’s a great documentary about first bringing Les Mis to the stage. Cameron Mackintosh, the producer, believed in it but still thought it would be a disaster as, amongst other things, who’d want to go to a show with miserable in the name. During the first run he was on his way to the theatre and heard a voice crying “Lesbian rebels! Lesbian rebels! Get your tickets here!” It took him a moment to work out that someone was reselling tickets, thought about correcting the show name but decided against it. I fell in love with the 10th Anniversary show, and most specifically with Lea Salonga’s performance. She was sublime. Years later Les Mis introduced me to Alfie Boe.
So great to see you do the breakdown of this one. I love this performance of hers - it's truly amazing. Would you consider staying in this concert and doing a reaction to Philip Quast's "Stars"? I know that there's a lot of discussion as to favorite Javert, but to me his version at this concert is at the top.
This was a GOAT performance. No one will EVER do it better than Lea did. The way she ran out of breath at the climax was so emotional and heartbreaking. And not only her singing, but the way she physically portrayed Eponine was just perfect.
Ruthie Henshall on "I Dreamed a Dream" and Philip Quast on "Stars" were also amazing and Colm Wlkinson's "Bring Him Home" is still the bar all other's have tried to reach.
The new girl from Singapore who is doing eponine now is also amazing. Pure emotions, story telling, acting. Not just singing.
yes that part is perfect!
Eponine and Javier were the saddest characters by far. So much happens to them over which neither have a modicum of control
I got to see her in Les Mis decades ago in London...she blew me away then and continues to today 😊
Lea Salonga could sing the phone book and I would still openly sob
😂
Sung world literature... performed by a world-class singer, explained by a world-class opera singer! Brava! 👏💐
Doesn't get any better, does it? 😇
@@sirkat344 Ich glaube nicht 🙂 Aber wenn ich mir jetzt mal die ganzen Projekte von Miss E. anschaue, wie viele Stunden hat eigentlich ihr Tag? 48+? 😮
Love that “sung world literature “ comment. Spot on. Les Miserables is definitely the sublime of world lit.
Elizabeth always provides great analysis while being so down to earth with her charming personality. For this performance, she is a fangirl, gushing over a truly remarkable vocalist.
Literally a voice nerd.
But less pauses can make the video more interesting.
Hard to believe it’s been 28 yrs since this concert aired on PBS. I definitely remember watching it. This entire concert is incredible.
Pinoy power! Lea is definitely unmatched. I love the quality of her voice and she carries emotion in every song I've heard her sing. It's not just limited to musicals.
Another thing to note is something another reactor has pointed out: is how she fully immerses herself in the character she is portraying. Especially here. Even though she is singing in a "concert" setting, she doesn't break character. She is Eponine from start to finish.
Her perfectionism comes from having to be constantly struggling to prove herself. She had many critics when she first started ( being the first Asian performer to be cast in a major role on Broadway ). She faced a lot of criticism and prejudices, so she had to be absolutely perfect all the time. She could not afford to make any mistakes. But all that hard work has paid off because she has become a highly respected and admired performer with an undeniable world-class talent.
this song is just perfection. doesn't matter how many times I hear/see Les Mis - I will cry.
In the 25th anniversary concert, she played Fantine. Both versions (10th Eponine, 25th Fantine) are amazing!! I love this woman so much!!! She's so incredibly talented!!!
I was coming to write the same thing!
oh wow i didnt know that!
I've only ever heard her Fantine before! Eponine was always my favourite character too, so this was so fun to see/listen to 😊
Elizabeth having a fangirl moment explaining everything w/ such details of this genre is gold,.
Her voice is like clean spring water. It shimmers but is clear and refreshing and carries so much energy and emotion. Full body goosebumps. She is an amazing singer. The way you become so excited while explaining why the vocals are so flippin cool makes me love the music even more than I already did. It's hard not to get excited along with you.
Love your analogy, Lea is the goat
The 10th anniversary performance at royal Albert hall is without a doubt the finest performance across all genres. This show was absolute perfection. Colm Wilkinson is simply exquisite as Valjean. Philip Quast is phenomenal as Javert. It's truly a perfect cast performing a perfect show.
I vote for your next Les Mis video to be Bring Him Home or I Dreamed a Dream from the 10th anniversary show!
Thanks for answering my question I was about to ask: I have seen this clip of this song tens of times, but I have never yet seen the entire show because I didn't know which was THE version to watch.
@mochs3869 sure thing. The 10th anniversary show was absolute magic
The Bishop's song in this rendition is just pure magic.
@@dheijnemans I love the bishop. I was so happy they got colm to play him in the movie
I grew up with Phillip Quast on Play School
Lea will always be the queen of enunciation, and my favorite musical theater singer.
Elizabeth's joy is so infectious! She helps me to understand more about so many different genres! Learning is fun!
This is world class singing and acting, just look at her facial expressions, when the lyrics are sad she is sad, when they are cheerful even if just for a second or two she shines and gives a faint smile. She is living the lyrics and giving it to us to enjoy. Fantastic.
What a great surprise to see you cover this!
I still remember the first time I saw this as a teen music student. My Dad thought it was hilarious seeing me in my room with Michael Jackson posters on the wall and wearing my Iron Maiden t-shirt watching this on repeat! (I had a crush on Lea after this. 😆 )
This whole performance is phenomenal and still made my eyes well up by the first line. Now you’ll have to cover the outstanding Colm Wilkinson too! Maybe “Bring Him Home”?
I’m interested to see how many other Les Mis fans are on the channel.
Same. I was well into my death metal phase jamming out to Les Mis during PBS pledge drives because that was always the best programming. There's no way Charismatic Voice lady is older than me but I assume this is a total fan girl video for her.
My GOD I love her voice! So much emotion and depth, vulnerability and strength. She's the perfect Eponine. Her debut performance in Miss Saigon is jaw-dropping. She deserves all the accolades.
I'm glad you did this one. I never get tired of hearing Lea sing "On My Own"
It's interesting how Les Miserables has changed for me as I've aged. When I first saw it as a young man, the loneliness and hopeful longing of On My Own really spoke to me; but decades later, I was surprised to find myself much more affected by Fantine's I Dreamed a Dream -- her deep anger and regret moved me to tears.
Your enthusiasm is so ridiculously contagious.
And Lea Salonga is either possessed or not from this world.
"Lea at her absolute best! And Elizabeth at her absolute best!"
Elizabeth talked often about the work Lea put into performance. Well, it didn't go unnoticed by me to realize the work Elizabeth put into her presentation, as well. I, too, have listened to this video many, manty times and Elizabeth's editing was masterful. We felt the full emotion of the song while Elizabeth told us what was going on.
Can you imagine being in that audience listening to Lea sing as she did? They had to be totally stunned even though they knew the song she was about to sing.
This was a great video. Congratulations, Elizabeth, you were spectacular.
Lea Salonga is AMAING. When you listen to her as Kim in Miss Saigon she has all of this control and she is barely 18 in that production.
If you happen to listen to the Complete Symphonic Recording of Les Mis, Kaho Shimada plays Eponine. She originated the role in Japan, and was selected for this ENGLISH sung album...she (at the time) did not know any English and learned how to sing the song in English in a very short time. She KILLED IT! Check it out.
i loved kaho shimada's performance as eponine! i preferred her version to lea's; there's a sweetness to her voice that i adore. lea's is powerful but i don't /feel/ as much from her performance as eponine, for some reason
The Complete Symphonic Recording is so amazing. Was listening to it again for the millionth time today!
I’ve never seen/heard Miss Saigon. Is there a best version to watch?
You say teary eyed, I say puddle of water. Her voice and emotion just move me so much.
Thank you so much for this one! You’re the best.
My favorite performance of my favorite song from Les Miserables. She is amazing, the love that Eponine has for Marius is beautifully tragic and this performance shows that
I would love to see more videos on musical theatre performances for sure!
Love your enthusiasm in analyzing this performance. Lea is truly amazing. I hope you'll do reactions to more of her performances - there are so many worth watching!!!
Every "I love him" - where you see a different thought behind each one - takes my breath away.
omg, so happy to have this video. I've been wanting to see Elizabeth analyze this performance ever since I discovered the channel.
I have seen this performance so many times and each time I get goosebumps. Amazing stuff.
Other performances from this concert I'd love to have Elizabeth analyze:
Philip Quast performing "Stars"
Colm Wilkinson performing "Bring Him Home"
Your reaction is exactly how I feel every time I hear Lea sing this song.
Elizabeth, you are such a fangirl... and i love it. This reaction made me really happy and you are absolutely right, Lea Salonga is awesome. However, now that you started this, you have to react to other Les Miserables songs as well. For example, "I dreamed a Dream" or "Bring him Home".
I absolutely love how in-depth you went with this. It is really easy to overlook just how powerful this performance is because she does it so effortlessly. Because she makes it look easy people just assume that it is easy and it is anything but. Her performance in the Saigon is literally one of my favorite things I’ve seen.
Brilliant song. Brilliant Lea. Brilliant analysis, Elizabeth.
The way she sang this......its so crystal & pristine than my sight❤
She is beyond fantastic to see in person 😊 she performed in les miserables the first time I watched it, one of my favorite performers of all time!
Ahh! I love that you did this one. I'm not a singer at all, but I've watched this performance soooo many times. Perfect example of the power of great vocals to give you goosebumps and raise the hairs on your neck.
21:49 The cry on the last N of that sentence ("known") is also a perfect vehicle for more of the grieving, longing emotion.
Lea Salonga is amazing. If you have not heard Kaho Shimada on the Complete Symphonic recording with the international cast, you need to do so ASAP. Her take on this song is ethereal.
I fell in love with Les Miserables my junior year of high school and have been in love with it for 30 years. This song, in particular, has been a favorite. I've heard Frances Ruffelle sing this song on the original London cast hundreds of times. Lea Salonga does a fantastic job as Eponine. Love this version. Thank you for showcasing it.
Ive been so lucky to see her live 3 times. Les Mis, Miss Saigon, and Allegiance. Such a talent.
The prime acknowledgement of Lea's greatness is your willingness to do this video. You probably know her whole repertoire, yet she still 18:05 gives you chills.
The ability to balance the attack at the start of each line and seamlessly dialing back to an intense but not overwhelming note highlighted by the significant vibrato, in the first major break down. Such technical mastery exemplified in such a short time it's impressive even if I'm not a fan of this music.
My favourite musical and one of the stand-out performances. I would love Colm Wilkinson's 'Let Him Live' reviewed as well, his control through the entire song is amazing, but the last note is so haunting.
Okay, I turned that notification on again already! I mean, how could I not. Lea's singing is heartstopping. In Les Misérables, she played both Éponine and Fantine on Broadway, and also on their 10th and 25th anniversary respectively. When I first heard the 10th Anniversary (got it on DVD) I was blown away by the exceptional cast. Especially Lea and Colm. Though I have a hard time putting that dvd on nowadays since I got wind of Colm's abusive behavior.
I have no reason to believe that the behavior did not happen. And yet, there has been no word from any other production that Wilkinson was in that this kind of behavior was present. So I am not excusing Mr. Wilkinson, but I do wonder if he was encouraged to make the character more abusively violent. It points to conditions that exist in certain productions that were (are) just not managed well, compassionately, or safely, for the actors involved, in the name of "dramatic presentation". It is a terribly sad story that NEVER should have happened.
The absolute joy on your face even though you've heard it before is what makes this performance so incredible. I've watched it a lot as well and it never gets boring
3:20 - That tiny change in your expression as Lea delivers her first line is ever so subtle, and yet one of the purest and most affecting reactions I've seen. So much said with so little!
I am so happy you did this. I love Lea Salonga and am totally with you on the goosebumps. She's amazing
This is the most epic performance I have ever experienced. I have certainly heard and seen this at least a thousand times, but I still can't get through it without tearing up. Lea Salonga is an angel! And she is THE Eponine. ❤
That first of the final "I love him"s is an emotional gut punch every time. never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
I can’t hear her without crying for some reason. I think she’d bring me to tears just singing happy birthday.
One of my favorite performances of anything, ever. I've watched the whole performance several times, and this one dozens of times. Always with tears along the way.
I love Les Misérables, and Lea Salonga is just perfect in it. Thank you for bringing back so many memories.
She’s so much more than a Disney princess. She’s been on the stage since she was 7 yrs old.
Just LOVE her! Bravo Lea! 🤗💜👏 such great tone quality, timing, emotion she has it all, she gives me goosebumps and makes me well up, such talent xxx 💜💐
I love Les Mis so much! I grew up belting this song in my bedroom and performing for my mom. I'm pretty sure I sang it for drama class once in high-school as well. The music of Les Mis just has so much emotion and power, will always give me goosebumps and can still bring me to tears. This song in particular though always has a special place in my heart!
I love Lea and will listen to any song she sings, be it theatre or concerts as herself.
Please continue to react to as many videos of her singing as you can, and I’ll watch
I love that when she tours and sings Disney songs she'll invite audience members to come up and sing duets with her. It's like a little boy's dream come true: singing with a Disney princess!
22:20 The last line she sings here has never failed to make my eyes tear up. Her voice and delivery is so amazing.
She's been my favorite Les Mis. vocalist for a long time. Thanks for the review.
I saw Les Misérables live for the first time a few years ago and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. It's not my favourite musical (though it is up there), but I have NEVER been so moved watching a live performance. I had literal tear tracks down my face and completely ruined my makeup because I cried pretty much the whole way through lol
If I ever saw Lea live, I'd probably just die 😆Just listening to this gave me full body goosebumps!
I laughed and loved my way through this whole video very teary eyed. Probably my fave song, from one of my fave musicals sung by my fave Disney princess. Lea is the GOAT and this and hellfire has very much reenthused my fascination with the awesome channel.
There is a concert version of "Reflection " from Mulan that Lea does that is the full version of the song. The version in the movie is cut in half, and the full version is even more moving. I'd love to see Elizabeth react and critique this astonishing performance.
I cannot offer new appreciation of Lea Salonga, since this exact rendition keeps astounding me as much every single time I watch and listen to it! Ut made me watch a documentary about her role in Miss Saigon and several other videos, but this is the one I keep coming back to. It really is perfection, in every conceivable way!
And now I feel the need to watch Emmy Rossum sing The Phantom of the Opera", especially"Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again". Actually the entire movie, and then I need to rewatch "Les Miserables" to get the chills from Sarah Ramirez and the little boy that both blew the entire cast of A-listers out of the water! If still aluve and breathing after all that, it might be necessary to end the party by watching "Så Som I Himmelen", and thoroughly enjoy Gabriella's Song"...
You would live that movie ans that song SO much, judging by the way you hve reacted to many of my favorites! Maybe you could find the movie with English subtitles? I feel that it's important to have gotten to know Gabriella's life before reacting to her song.
Quite a few years ago she appeared on a studio album of The King and I featuring Julie Andrews and Ben Kingsley. Lea Salonga did a fantastic version of "I Have Dreamed" with Peabo Bryson and she sang "My Lord, my Master." And of course you have Julie Andrews on it too.
Thank you for this. Les Miz is my favorite musical ever. Everything you said about it is absolutely true.
This is my favorite song from my favorite musical. Looking forward to this!!
The amount of expression she gets into this song, the first part is happy and dreamy, then it becomes full of pain and loneliness.
Watching Liz, watching Lea; grinning through my tears. Magnifique!
Hearing Lea Salonga sing On My Own is like hearing the song for the first time all over again. Her interpretation is so genuine and layered, filled with the kind of depth that only an artist of her caliber can bring. Lea’s voice seems to carry Éponine’s inner world, making you feel every bit of her longing and sorrow.
Witnessing Lea Salonga perform On My Own is like experiencing a storm of emotions-you’re swept into Éponine’s turmoil, her desperation and her longing laid bare with an intensity that’s almost overwhelming. Her voice aches with unrequited love, every word trembling with a passion so deep, it feels as though her heart might break right there on stage. It’s impossible to watch without being deeply moved, as Lea takes us to the brink of Éponine’s soul, revealing a level of humanity and pain that makes you feel like you’re right beside her, facing her heartbreak.
I’ve never seen this and am in tears and love the reaction. THANK YOU!
I love the passion , knowledge and realness that Elizabeth gives in all her reviews. This is a lady who just simply loves the art and process of music. Thank you 🙏
This was really beautiful, and it’s wonderful to watch you analyze orchestral/opera/musical since your passion for it shines through!
You have the most precise comments on Lea's singing this piece.. Brava!
It's lovely how as she has aged (as we all do) her voice has continued to mature. Eponine to Fantine. She's simply wonderful to see in a live performance.
ps Goosebumps every single time I get to sit and really listen to this.
I've seen this musical three times and always brings such joy. Such a beautiful human epic. This actress is amazing.
I don’t know how many gazillion times i saw this performance, she always take me to the clouds😊
My favourite! ❤ I fell in love with Les Mis hearing Lea. I’ve been fortunate to see the musical live 3 times. I hope I get to see it again. Amazing! X
Les Mis is without a doubt my absolute favourite musical, and this concert is sooooo good. Eponine's story is the most tragic of all of the main characters. Empty Chairs and Val Jean's Epilogue are the ones that always get me teary... I would love an analysis of the Epilogue from this concert.
Val Jean's epilogue got to me at a low point. Not sure if it was a healthy thing or not but I always remember it.
‘goosebumps’ for you, ‘tears’ for me. Love her voice
Idk how she gets through this song without balling cuz I am. 😭
Here I am a 60 year old man, never having knowingly heard Lea, and her performance put shivers and tingles through my body and in the end left me in tears. Such effortless perfection. Her voice is golden warmth, crystal clear, and so full of emotion. Thank you Elizabeth.
That line when she sings about a world full of happiness that she’s never known…got me teary eyed too.
i just love her version of eponine but WOW the way you breakdown the song's technical insights makes me appreciate it even better
I too have listened to this performance over and over. It’s like an essential part of my life support system 😊 So very interesting hearing you explain all the things I love about how she delivers the lines. Makes me appreciate her even more. I’d need this performance on my desert island. Heartbreakingly gorgeous
Thank you for this great detailed analysis of an outstanding performance by the amazing Lea Salonga.
I've loved this song ever since the I first saw Les Mis in movie form, but this performance blew me away. incredible, fabulous, such a gift. Thanks for posting this one!
I got a station on my Pandora based off Lea. Anytime the stress of the work day is getting to me, I put in my earbuds, go to that station, and the music in the rotation lifts my spirit.
I saw Les Mis at the Hollywood Bowl a few years ago. It was stunning. The actress doing this song walked off the stage and walked along the silver wall separating the inner circle from the rest of the seats. It made it really moving - like she was coming into the audience to sing. Just a great production.
listening to her and your excitement over it all, brings tears to my eyes.
I know nothing about singing, but this was so much fun to watch. Witnessing a really knowledgeable person geek out while communicating very specific information is one of the great pleasures of life. Lea Salonga is awesome, but you're also incredible
Watching you react to one of my favorite singers brought me so much joy! I know your musical theater and opera videos don’t bring in the most views, but those are my favorite genres, so I’m so happy you do make those videos!! Thank you! 💗
What an amazing performance!!! Thank you for sharing this Elizabeth.
I wonder how many rock and metal fans that watch your channel have also become fans of the more classical styles after watching some of what you've shown us. I know I have!
Show off some more any time you like!!!
Please. 🙄🙄 At least a third of the metal heads here are at least classical casuals. I'm one of the most fanatical metal fans here and I'm always asking for baroque opera to be on the channel. 😁😁
It's the pop and boomer rock fans that don't want to hear it. As usual. 👎👎
I was/am a huge Musical Fan before I discovered Metal etc ^^ I have seen Les Mis so many times live in London and in several German productions and been to the cinema to watch th 10th anyversary live on screen
I got into you with you diving into my rock world. Now you share your world with us. Very kind thank you!
I heard her live at the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert last year, incredible voice! You should get tickets and go one year, always very well done!
I have seen Les Miserables live, and have this recording (I can't guess how many times I have watched it). This song has always been my favorite, and it's primarily because of her magnificent delivery. What a talent.
For THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW: Check out some of Elizabeth's operatic performances on here that uniquely qualify her to analyze any performance. Stunning control in her vocal prowess. Not just having range, but a fluidity as she projects her voice with emotion while maintaining a command of what each piece of music requires. I was never a big fan of Opera before, but going through her performances, one cannot help but appreciate the stunning nature of what she has accomplished vocally. She is next level...countless hours of dedication to the craft to pull off what she has done
I’ve been enamored with this performance for almost thirty years. Of course I knew Elisabeth would be nerding out all over this. ❤😊
She still sings this song in her concert and nailed it everytime.
Elizabeth just fangirling is such a joy to watch.... please also react to "A little fall of rain" from the same 10th anniversary performance...
I can't imagine a Top 5 list of female singers all time that does not include Lea. All genres, all times. Her voice is literally perfection. It simply cant be done any better
I absolutely love this channel. You are such an amazing human being. Watching your content provides me with precious moments of relaxation, which are especially necessary on days when my country (Israel) is in the midst of a horrible war, and my university studies have been delayed indefinitely. Every school and shop is closed, and we are not allowed to leave our houses. In times like these, your channel continues to inspire my passion for languages and singing. I particularly enjoyed your analyses of
Aurora, System of a Down, and Rammstein.
Thank you so much for what you do, and please keep going, blessing all of us with your gift for music.💌
Lesbian rebels! There’s a great documentary about first bringing Les Mis to the stage. Cameron Mackintosh, the producer, believed in it but still thought it would be a disaster as, amongst other things, who’d want to go to a show with miserable in the name. During the first run he was on his way to the theatre and heard a voice crying “Lesbian rebels! Lesbian rebels! Get your tickets here!” It took him a moment to work out that someone was reselling tickets, thought about correcting the show name but decided against it.
I fell in love with the 10th Anniversary show, and most specifically with Lea Salonga’s performance. She was sublime. Years later Les Mis introduced me to Alfie Boe.
So great to see you do the breakdown of this one. I love this performance of hers - it's truly amazing.
Would you consider staying in this concert and doing a reaction to Philip Quast's "Stars"? I know that there's a lot of discussion as to favorite Javert, but to me his version at this concert is at the top.