Quasimodo | The Hunchblog of Notre Dame

01Mar 2012

The Musical Conclusion of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

by jess

Der Glockner von notre Dame German Musical of Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

I’d say that the songs in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame are good. Sure there are some weak songs but they’re thoughtful and the either drive the plot forward or develop a character. However the music is not without problems.

Ann Christin Elverum as Esmeralda Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

First off, I HATE, hate that Esmeralda doesn’t get a solo in this. With exception of the Archdeacon, Clopin and the gargoyles she the only character not get one. Now you maybe thinking “But Hunchblog the majority of the characters in this didn’t have their own songs. ” Well that is true but let’s face, each of the gargoyles couldn’t get their own song they’re a trio and as a trio they almost get a single song, Clopin may not a single song but he sings a lot as the narrator and the archdeacon is hardly even a character so he doesn’t count. Beside the plot pretty much revolves around her you’d think she’d get one but her only big songs has Quasimodo in it. I mean in Notre Dame de Paris every character got one even Fleur de Lys (Phoebus’ Fiancee) got one (La monture) and she is seldom even in the adaptations. So that was a BIG negative.

Esmeralda and Antoine Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

I also got bit tired of the gargoyles singing over people. I do think it was a great way to show that gargoyles are 100% in Quasimodo’s head but it’s gets a bit old after a while. I think the show kept putting the gargoyles in songs so that A Guy Like you wouldn’t feel out of place. Another thing that gets old is hearing DrauÃŸen (Out There) over and over again. Anytime the play wants to reenforce Quasimodo to the audience DrauÃŸen is played. Admittedly this maybe unfair because Die Glocken Notre Dames is the most overused as in the play this how Clopin does most of his narrating but since I’ve been judging off the CD it’s DrauÃŸen that got old.

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

So yeah the songs are good for the most part but what I think really helps a lot of these songs is that singing quality is better. Though I’ve picked on DrauÃŸen in this review, I much prefer it in this musical than in the Disney movie along with Ein Mann wie du (A Man like you). The singers are just much better and that helps the enjoyment of the songs. Conversely, Hellfire suffers for this and it’s not because the is bad, I mean he put emotionally intensity into the next song Esmeralda, but maybe Hellfire is Tony Jay’s and no one else compares. Esmeralda and Clopin are one the level though the cresendo at the end of Bell isn’t as powerful as Kendal but he does a great job otherwise.

Esmeralda and Clopin during Drunter DrÃ¼ber” (Topsy Turvy) Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

The musical does make the recycled Disney movie songs feel like it’s own which is nice, you don’t feel like their just simply lifted from the movie and put in to a musical. And while I do prefer Notre Dame de Paris Der Glöckner von Notre Dame has wonderful music. Just wish Esmeralda got one song to herself.

Next Time – The Production; Sets

Frollo and Quasimodo Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

27Feb 2012

Finale – Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame“ Part 9

by jess

This is the Ninth Part (or the last part) of my review on the music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Molten Lead Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Grand Finale or Ultimo Finale is the ending and occurs in two parts. The Finale is where the two most famous differences occurs; The death of Frollo by Quasimodo and the death of Esmeralda. Apparently the translator Michael Kunze campaigned to have Esmeralda die which makes it more like the book, though her death is by a different method. Kunze’s reasoning for this is that Esmeralda’s death would be viewed by European audiences as moving and more romantic of an ending. We’ll see how the American Broadway version handles this, though I kind of hope they keep the German ending.

Judy Weiss as Esmeralda with Frollo (Norbert Lamla) Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

The Final starts with Frollo pronouncing Esmeralda’s sentence then it goes into “song” portion. I use the word song in quotes because the Finale is a melody piece as it uses songs from throughout the show with one exception. So it starts pretty much the same as the movie with Sanctuary playing complete with latin lyrics as Esmerlada starts being burned and Quasimodo saves her and proclaiming sanctuary. Then Phoebus starts railing the people of Paris with the tune of Einmal (Once). Then the scene shifts back to Quasimodo who is defending Notre Dame from Frollo and his minions as he sings the tune of Wie aus Stein (Made of Stone).

Esmeralda dying Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

After he pours the led from Notre Dame Quasimodo checks in on Esmeralda who is dying. My guess is she dying of asphyxia which is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen in body that arises from being unable to breathe normally. In her case this occurred from the fire. Anyway Quasimodo and Esmeralda have little conversation while Draußen (Outside) is played in the background. Esmeralda thanks Quasimodo for being her friend and then sings Hoch über der Welt (High above the World) and then the conversation continues for a couple more lines and then she dies. After she dies Frollo comes in and sings about how he happy to be free of her to the tune of Esmeralda but he sings this in a creepy, off balanced way. Quasimodo gets mad and the song shifts to a new melody with gargoyle singing with the latin choir. The gargoyle basically sing that God strikes the wicked, so the gargoyles, or aspects of Quasimodo’s own mind are telling him that he should kill Frollo, which he does by throwing Frollo off of Notre Dame, like in the book. I will point out that Quasimodo in the book does this in a fit of rage and here it’s a little more pre-mediated. After this the gargoyles sing Zuflucht (Refuge) about how the world is both cruel and kind. Quasimodo then sings Draußen (Outside) and sings about how he must live out there with all the pain, sorrow and fear that world can bring. He the carries Esmeralda outside and is joined by Phoebus. The ensemble then sing Einmal with as Quasimodo disappears. Then Clopin in his narrator role sings Die Glocken Notre Dames (The Bells of Notre Dame) and it’s pretty akin to the reprise at the end of the movie.

Quasimodo carrying Esmeralda Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

It’s vague what happens to Quasimodo but given how he sings about living it is doubtful that Quasimodo goes off to die. Also considering the two deaths this pretty much same except for Quasimodo and Esmeralda epic running away scene, that’s not there either.

So both Musically and plot wise we have a lot going on. However it’s a fitting ending. All the songs used here fit well together so while it could have felt a bit all over the place the emotional intensity flows well from one into the next. So if you like all these song before you’ll like them here.

Next time – A conclusion of the music

Esmeralda Dancing Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

21Feb 2012

Nostalgia Chick’s Hottest Animated Guy list “Reactions”

by jess

On 2/12/12 Lindsay Ellis (Nostalgia Chick) released a list of the Top Ten Hottest Animated guy. The list was compiled with a survey she conducted on her Facebook page and Twitter with women writing in their top pick of the Hottest animated guy from 1995-2002. And the character that came at number 10 was Disney’s Frollo.

Frollo singing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Now Ellis suggested that women prefer character to physical appearance. And these characters are usually “projects”, men women can change. And with the case of Frollo he is the most sexual overt Disney character and yet very put off by it, making him relatable and yet torture. But given the fact that he kills people he is also a bad boy. And the mere fact that people generally think that if Frollo could fulfill his sexual desire this would cure him of his obsession and genocidal tendencies, which wouldn’t happen but this adds to the sexual fantasy.

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame groping Esmeralda Disney picture image

Frollo groping Esmeralda

Now given that Frollo was the villain and villains are never meant to be attractive it’s interesting to mention that Frollo was the only villain to make this list. Maybe this is because of the Disney villains, he’s the most interesting and has the most characterization.

Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo gazing at Esmeralda

I do have to wonder if Disney had handle Phoebus’ character differently would be have made the list? Phoebus could have easily been a bad boy who gets reformed, I mean he did in the book. And given that women aren’t has put off by looks, if Quasimodo was more tormented could he have made the list? My guess, Phoebus yes but Quaismodo no. Disney would have never, never made him tortured, Quasimodo was suppose to be gentle, kind and innocence which are majors turns off. But it’s also might help that Frollo that he was in a power position, he can burned all of Paris and meets no opposition from anyone, except justice freaks Phoebus and Esmeralda.

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney

Would I have sited Disney Frollo as one the “Hottest Animated Guys”? Gotta say no, I wouldn’t, I like him as a character but I don’t find him “Hot” at all.

Not that anyone at Thatguy needs me to drive traffic to them but here is the link to the video, you can find out who else is one the list and who is #1

20Feb 2012

Wie aus Stein & Einmal Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame“ Part 8

by jess

This is the eighth part of my review on the music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Wie aus Stein

Drew Sarich as Quasimodo in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Wie aus Stein is Quasimodo’s despair song. The song is lifted from the movie when the gargoyles are trying to convince Quaismodo to save Esmeralda who is moments away from death. In the musical this scene occurs the night before Esmeralda is to be sentenced and instead of a short scene between the gargoyles and Quasimodo, we have a song.

This song is Quasimodo at his most angry and his most broken-hearted. He is clearly angry at the gargoyles as they don’t understand his pain as they’re made of stone and he wishes he was like them. He regrets his emotions and wishes they would go away. I really can’t not imagine the Disney movie Quasimodo getting this angry and morose. Plus it’s nice to hear Quasimodo really telling off the gargoyles.

The title Wie aus Stein (Made of Stone) is taken from the original book when Quasimodo mournfully asks why he wasn’t made of stone. He’s not exactly angry in the book but more sad that he is in love with Esmeralda and can’t really do anything about it.

Musically this song is great it has wonderful tension and drama. Quasimodo voice moves though these soft parts like suppressing rage and parts him fully expressing his rage with great power in his voice. Quasimodo’s angry and despair really come though.

I really enjoy this song, it’s a great way to showcase the singer for Quasimodo. I find this song oddly additive and it’s one of my favorites from the show.

Watch a video clip of Wie aus Stein here

Einmal

Ann Christin Elverum as Esmeralda singing Einmal Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Einmal (Once) is the song Someday which was created as a second option for the song used in the “Esmeralda Prayer” sequence in the movie. However Someday was used as the credit song which had two pop song recording.

Einmal occurs after Frollo gives Esmeralda his ultimatum in jail (Be Mine or Die). Esmeralda considers taking it if only to save Phoebus. Phoebus tells her she should do it for herself, so she can live. Esmeralda says she doesn’t consider a life with Frollo living. She then sings along with Phoebus and eventually with Clopin and the ensemble about how she hopes the world will learn after countless war and bloodshed to live and not to hate.

Unlike Someday, Einmal’s lyrics are less soft and gentle. In Someday. Esmeralda sings about the world becoming more mature and in Einmal she sings about the world learning after making mistakes. The song ends as Esmeralda about to be put to death which makes this song all the more poignant and dramatic as Esmeralda dying wish for the world.

Judy Weiss as Esmeralda singing Einmal Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Muscially it’s a pretty song and while I like the inclusion of Phoebus, Clopin and the crowd, this means Esmeralda does not get a solo song of her own, which I find a bit sad. But as the song stands on it’s own merits, it is quite lovely and powerful with the overlays of singing. And like Wie aus Stein it’s high on my list of favorites from the show.

Watch a video clip of Einmal here

A Final Thought on these songs;
Wie aus and Einmal are very nice counterpoints to each other in both mood and meaning. In Wie aus Stein we have Quasimodo who is depairing in life and in Einmal we have Esmeralda who has hope as she about to die. It a just a nice example of selfness vs altruism in the show, and I love contrast.

Next Time – The Grand Finale,

Molten Lead Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

17Feb 2012

Fan-Art Friday 2/17/12

by jess

In the Spirit of Valentine’s Day I want to pick Fan-Art that was romantic in nature but then I saw this;

Notre Dame Pick Up Lines by Samahatter

It was so silly and on point that I had to post it this week. Art by SamaHatter. I also like the mixing of the Hunchback sources as inspiration for how the guys look also I love the cute style.

15Feb 2012

Weil du liebst, Tanz der Zigeuner and Weil du liebst (Reprise) Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame“ Part 7

by jess

This is the seventh part of my review on the music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Weil du liebst

Quasimodo, Phoebus and the Gargoyles Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Weil du liebst (Because/Out of Love) occurs after Frollo makes his threat against Esmeralda and the Court of Miracle while Phoebus is trying to convince Quasimodo to leave Notre Dame and help warn her.

Unlike the Disney movie, Phoebus is softer and more understanding with Quasimodo’s hesitation. Phoebus understands why Quasimodo does not want to leave and he tells him it because of the love that he must do it. It also interesting to mention that Phoebus has not solidify a romance with Esmeralda yet. Unlike the Disney movie, it’s the Archdeacon who asks Quasimodo to hide Phoebus. So Phoebus is being a bit more altruistic here.

Also I want to point out that Phoebus was a jerk in this scene in the Disney movie. He told Quasimodo that he owns Esmeralda for helping him. However Esmeralda helped Quaismodo from the crowd partly because she pulled on stage and she had a sense of guilt about it and Quasimodo already repay her when he helped her escape Notre Dame, so he actually owns her nothing, bad argument Phoebus. This scene/song is a VAST improvement to the Disney counterpart.

Musically this song uses a bit from Ein bißchen Freude at the beginning but it turns gentle and sweet. The gargoyles get in on that song and help convince Quasimodo to help.

It’s a nice song but I feel that it exists more for the reprise than the set-up.

Tanz der Zigeuner

Dance of the Gypsies Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Tanz der Zigeuner (Dance of the Gypsies) replaces the song “Court of Miracles” from the movie. On it’s own it’s a fun little instrumental dance number that provides levity before the show gets dark.

Musically it sounds like Gypsy music with the melody from Tanz auf dem Seil. I just wish this could have existed along side Court of Miracles since it was one my favorites from the movie. Oh well, can’t have everything I suppose. Still it a nice addition to the show and I enjoy it.

Weil du liebst (Reprise)

Quasimodo, Esmeralda and Phoebus performing Weil du Liebst Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Weil du liebst Reprise a.k.a Esmeralda & Phoebus are in love and Quasimodo gets the shaft. So after Phoebus and Quasimodo warn the Gypsies, Phoebus and Esmeralda decide to leave Paris together. While Esmeralda and Phoebus declare their love Quaismodo watches them heartbroken.

The song gives Phoebus and Esmeralda a love song which was sorely missed from the movie but in this song the love story has a complexity. Neither of them ever envisioned being in love. The song also works to contrast against Quasimodo’s heartbreak better than in the movie. In the movie Phoebus and Esmeralda kiss and Quasimodo thinks of Heaven’s Light and he rips up an Ace of Hearts playing card. In this song Quasimodo pain is more felt though his singing. But then against Quasimodo in the show is a bit more angry and less “boyish”. However the presentation of Phoebus and Esmeralda singing lovingly against Quasimodo’s pain could have worked in the movie as the focus doesn’t leave Quasimodo which was very important from the Disney movie directors (eye-roll) and it doesn’t kill the pace as they sing this before fleeing which makes more sense than a wedding.

Musically the song uses Weil du liebst, Das Licht des Himmels and a touch of Draußen at the end.

I really enjoy this song it provided enough levity and yet angst before the ball drops completely on the angst.

Next Time- Wie aus Stein & Einmal

Ann Christin Elverum as Esmeralda singing Einmal Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

12Feb 2012

Benjamin Lacombe’s Notre Dame de Paris

by jess

Benjamin Lacombe is a French artist who has illustrated several books his latest is Notre Dame de Paris which was released November 30th 2011. His work has a gothic anime feel that I find appealing but I’m not sure why. I’ve seen stuff akin to it but there is something about his work that I find appealing maybe it’s the use of color or the composition. Currently the book is only available in French. Other work by Benjamin Lacombe

Click the link to buy Benjamin Lacombe’s Notre-Dame de Paris Part 1 from Amazon France

And now some pictures;

Benjamin Lacombe' s Cover of Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame and Paris by Benjamin Lacombe Notre Dame de Paris

Esmeralda by Benjamin Lacombe Notre Dame de Paris

Quasimodo by Benjamin Lacombe Notre Dame de Paris

Esmeralda and Djali by Benjamin Lacombe Notre Dame de Paris

11Feb 2012

Asian Tour of Notre Dame de Paris Pictures

by jess

More Pictures of the Asian Tour cast of Notre Dame de Paris for everyone. Please Enjoy!

Dennis Ten Vergert as Gringoire Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Ian Carlyle as Clopin Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Candice Parise as Esmeralda Asian Tour of Notre Dame de Paris

Stephen Webb as Phoebus and Lily-Jane Young as Fleur de Lys Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Robert Marien as Frollo and Matt Laurent as Quasimodo Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Candice Parise as Esmeralda and Dennis Ten Vergert as Gringoire Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Cadice Parise as Esmeralda performing Court of Miracles Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Candice Parise as Esmeralda Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Candice Parise as Esmeralda and Matt Laurent performing the Pagan Ave Maria Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Matt Laurent as Quasimodo and Candice Parise as Esmeralda Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Dancers performing Attack on Notre Dame Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Comment if you like these Notre Dame de Paris Picture Posts. ^_~

07Feb 2012

Asian Tour of Notre Dame de Paris Pictures

by jess

I’ve found a ton of pictures from the Asian Tour Cast but in an effort to keep my sanity I’m going to post them over a series of posts, so Enjoy!

Dennis Ten Vergert as Gringoire Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Ian Carlyle as Clopin Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Candice Parise as Esmeralda Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Stephen Webb as Phoebus and Lily-Jane Young as Fleur de Lys Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Dancer Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Court of Miracles Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Stephen Webb as Phoebus Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Robert Marien as Frollo Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

Matt Laurent as Quasimodo Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris

04Feb 2012

Wilson’s Concept art for Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame

by jess

I was doing some research at work a few days ago on Russian Animation and I found these pictures (which have nothing to do with Russian Animation.) In fact these pictures are concept art by Rowland B. Wilson. Wilson created production art for Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame as well as The Little Mermaid, Tarzan and Hercules.

Enjoy!