song | The Hunchblog of Notre Dame

21Nov 2011

Fa la la la Fallen In Love with Failure – Part 4 of the Music of the Hunchback Sequel

by jess

When I say I’d Stick With You is the worse song in the movie I mean it, but it may not be the stupidest. Which is odd considering the lyrics of Fa la la la Fallen In Love, which based on the title, it qualifies as the stupidest song of the movie.

Gargoyles Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Gargoyles Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney 2

So the song is about how Quasimodo has fallen in love, that’s it. The song starts with the Gargoyles lamenting that their “boy” has grown (their boy is like 27) and in love but their lament is a fake because they’re happy that “Love has nailed him” then the crowd joins in about have love has “derailed him“. (Didn’t this happen more to Madeline???)

Gargoyles Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Madeline and Quasimodo plus crowd Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Madeline and Quasimodo Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Musically the song isn’t bad, it has a jovial and whimsical tone. The lyrics are one of the problems with this song. First off the song is called Fa la la la Fallen In Love and those are the bulk of lyrics. This is just stupid! But I think the “Oh Wow” lines are stupider. Now here the big problem, I can’t write this song off as completely stupid (and that pains me). The song uses a lot of word that I didn’t know. Like roundelay and madrigal. Roundelay is 1) a song in which a phrase, line, or the like, is continually repeated 2) the music for such a song 3) a dance in a circle; round dance. And Madrigal 1) a secular part song without instrumental accompaniment, usually for four to six voices, making abundant use of contrapuntal imitation, popular especially in the 16th and 17th centuries 2) a lyric poem suitable for being set to music, usually short and often of amatory character, especially fashionable in the 16th century and later, in Italy, France, England, etc 3) any part song. However both words are anachronism, I mean if your going to use pedantic words they should at least be fashionable to the setting. It’s funny that a song in a sequel would use GRE type words and be called Fa la la la Fallen, use that title as a Roundlay and use the line “Oh Wow” it’s mind boggling to say the least.

Madeline and Quasimodo Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

I have another issue with the song. The song seems incredulous to the fact that Quasimodo could have fallen in love in the first place. Which is insane since Quasimodo wants to be in love because he think it looks nice. And this isn’t the first time Quasimodo has “fallen in love” remember Esmeralda, she broke his heart (or ripped it). The purpose of this song seems to be that a hard-hearted people has fallen in love which is evident in the lines “Love has nailed him” and “Love’s derailed him.” It seem more suited to Madeline and not Quasimodo. I mean Madeline as to overcome low self-esteem and has to get past Quasimodo’s deformity. What did Quasimodo have to do? Stare and listen to her. And further more why does the crowd care? When did Quasimodo become the Darling of Paris? Because the Darling of Paris is Esmeralda and is a 1917 Hunchback film version starring Theda Bara.

Madeline and Quasimodo Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Ariel & Jasmine’s Love Child Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Circle Dance (Roundelay) Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Fa la la la Fallen In Love is a dumb little song that uses big words for the sake of alliteration, which makes a level of sense because Quasimodo and Madeline’s relationship is founded alliteration as well lies but still it’s stupid. And no amount of smart and big words can help save it from it’s stupid title.

Madeline and Quasimodo Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Divine Intervention End of Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Next Time – I’m Gonna Love You ( a.k.a Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Vanity Project)

Jennifer Love Hewitt singing I’m Gonna Love you Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

10Nov 2011

Ordinary Miracle is as name suggests – Part 2 of the Music of the Hunchback Sequel

by jess

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II

Ordinary Miracle is Quasimodo sweeping solo number in the Sequel. It’s akin to the “I want something more” type of songs but it focus on Quasimodo’s desire to be loved by preferably a good-looking lady. He relates people falling in love as miracle but just an ordinary everyday miracle like lightning, architecture and growing-up. I’ve read that people like this song and they think it’s powerful. I disargee though, I find it clumsy in every aspect.

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Madeline Figurine Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Madeline Figurine Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

The Background Music is fine, the orchestra is quite nice but the medley and lyrics really kills it. Melodically the song has three parts, Quasimodo first bit where he imagines having someone love him, the second part where he discusses the “Ordinary Miracle” and the the last bit is Quasimodo’s singing about how’s he in love. Then the song goes back to being about miracle and ends on the imagine how great it would be if someone loved him. The trouble with these parts is the don’t flow nicely into each other. The worst offender is Quasimodo singing about love and how it’s a volcano of emotion and gypsy potions can’t undo it. That part seems like it’s from a different song

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

That brings us to the next point; the Lyrics. Quasimodo’s references to love and being in love with someone else as a common place miracle and that for him that would be extraordinary miracle. However he says that it would that it would “extraordinary if an ordinary miracle happen to him” now I know he’s referring to love but the line is written “an ordinary miracle” meaning any of the other aforemention miracles in the song would be extraordinary. However one of those miracle has already happen to him- “A Baby starts to walk or talk one day then shockingly he’s grown and in love“, Quasimodo is adult and is in love again, so an “ordinary miracle” happen kinda weakens his arrgument. Plus he sites, a natural occurrences like Lightning and Cathedrals being Miracles. Perhaps Quasimodo needs a dictionary but since he never master the alphabet maybe a dictionary is beyond him. Lightning, Architecture, and aging are not Miracles. A Miracle is an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs or an extremely outstanding or unusual events, things, or accomplishments. Given the examples and how Quasimodo ruins his point I’d say the lyrics are weak.

Quasimodo does a Hand Stand while sing Ordinary Miracle Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo does a Hand Stand while singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Victor and Hugo Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Victor and Hugo Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Hulce does a decent job with vocals, it’s not a different song to sing but I do feel he didn’t perform to his full capability.

Laverne Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II sequel 2 Disney picture image

Laverne Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Is this song the worst in the movie? No, it’s not, but it’s not a good song either, it’s barely an adequate song. It’s just weak. Dare I say, Ordinary.

Next Time – I’d Stick With You

Quasimodo and Zephyr Sequel Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney picture image

Quasimodo and Zephyr Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

07Nov 2011

Le Jour D’Amour – Part 1 of the Music of the Hunchback Sequel

by jess

Disney is known for many things; Music, Animation etc. Conversely what Disney is known is thrown out in their sequels. So let’s tackle the music of this monstrosity of a money-making scam ( their direct to relase sequels). This first song on the list; the opening song, Le Jour D’Amour or Not Topsy Turvy – it’s the festival song.

Clopin Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Clopin Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Clopin and Quasimodo Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Clopin and Quasimodo Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

It’s Clopin’s one and only song. But Wait, it’s not just Clopin’s song it’s a duet with Quasimodo. Remember in the original film when Quasimodo was shoved down our throats, it’s even worst in this film. And also the Gargoyles get in on this song (eye roll).

Djali Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Djali Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Phoebus and Esmeralda Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Phoebus and Esmeralda Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Clopin with an extra Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Clopin with an extra Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of of Notre Dame II Disney

This song introduces us to the fact that this movie is about love. Le Jour D’Amour is supposed to a Valentine’s Day-Love is great- and a pox on you if you don’t have love in your life Day. The premise of the day, in that people yell declarations of love while some bell rings. And for some reason yellow Roses are the flower of chose for Le Jour D’Amour. Yellow Roses are yet one of many, many, fun anachronisms in this movie. The Yellow Rose wasn’t discovered till the 18th century. Yellow Roses are a very stupid chose because according to the meaning of flowers they mean Friendship, Joy, Get Well, not very good chose for a festival of love. If only roses came in other colors, a color that denotes Love and Passion, a “Lover’s Rose” if you will. Darn if only rose came in RED! Stupid movie!

Quasimodo with Zephyr and some little girl Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Quasimodo with Zephyr and some little girl Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Clopin and Quasimodo with Puppets Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel image puppet

Clopin and Quasimodo with Puppets Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Extras Dance Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Extras Dance Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Now compared to the actual movie, the songs are bad. I probably could have just end my music discussion of the sequel right there but that’s too easy, plus Le Jour D’Amour is the least guilty. It’s somewhat period appropriate, uplifting, and at least you can sing along to it, through why you want to is beyond me. I think the worst part musically is the Gargoyle’s part and I’m not fond of Quasimodo’s solo right before that. But this is my least hated song of the movie (I hesitate to use the word favorite). Don’t get me wrong it’s a stupid song about a stupid festival with stupid people dancing around like dumdums. And despite it being the best in my opinion, I’m always forgetting it. ( in my last article post when I said what would be next, I used a picture from Ordinary Miracle instead of a picture from Le Jour D’Amour)

Hugo and Victor Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Hugo and Victor Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Laverne as Esmeralda Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Laverne as Esmeralda Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Quasimodo Le Jour D'Amour Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Disney Sequel picture image

Quasimodo Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

And I would like to point out that the lyrics try to justify this festival (maybe even the movie) as the “best of all” over the the original and certainly over Topsy Turvy, but Topsy Turvy would win with both hands tied behind its’ back and little pieces of duct tape covering its’ eyes and Le Jour D’Amour can have a spear even. No contest. (Hey, two points go to the person who knows what I just referenced with that little battle scenario comment if you know what it it)

Quasimodo with dancing extras Le Jour D'Amour Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel piciure image disney

Quasimodo with dancing extras Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Sad Quasimodo Sequel Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney picture image

Sad Quasimodo Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Clopin Evil Smile Hunchback of Notre Dame Sequel Disney picture image

Clopin Evil Smile Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame Sequel Disney

Since Le Jour D’Amour is the best of the songs in this explicit deleted fest, this is only going to get worse for me.

Next Time – Ordinary Miracles (bleh)

Quasimodo with Madeline Figurine Hunchback of Notre Dame sequel 2 II picture image Disney

Quasimodo with Madeline Figurine Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

02Nov 2011

Zephyr the Personality Deficient Plot Device of Hunchback of Notre Dame Sequel

by jess

Zephyr Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Zephyr is the son of Phoebus and presumably Esmeralda. Zephyr looks like Phoebus but I guess his slightly darker coloration comes from Esmeralda’s side. I supposed if Zephyr had been a girl child he would have looked like a mini Esmeralda with a slightly lighter coloration, though given Disney maybe Phoebus’ color but Esmeralda doppleganger( Esmeralda with Blond hair click here to see).

Saroush magically zap balls to Zephyr HUnchback Sequel Disney 2 II picture image

Saroush magically zap balls to Zephyr Hunchback II Disney

I have been referring to Zephyr as being personality deficient and it’s true, Zephyr doesn’t have a personality and he’s uninteresting as a character. Basically Zephyr is child and acts as such. But Zephyr is not a character he is a plot device. As the best friends of Quasimodo he shows Madeline that Quasimodo is a nice guy and as the son of Phoebus he gets kidnapped. Zephyr is also used to redeem Madeline in Quasimodo’s eyes. If I has to assign him personality traits I would he’s a curious, impulsive, easily impressed, chatterbox with narcoleptic tendencies. The only things he does as character development are trying to join the circus (cliche childhood fantasy) and saying “yuck” in regards to romance ( yet another childhood cliche).

Zephyr sums up the movie "yuck" Sequel Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney picture image

Zephyr sums up the movie "yuck" Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

The Cast Hunchback of Notre Dame Sequel 2 II picture image Disney

The Cast Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Quasimodo and Zephyr Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

So Zephyr wins the award dullest character in not just this sad excuse for a movie but probably all of Disney moviedom.

Zephyr's Award for Dullest Character Hunchback of Notre Dame sequel 2 II Disney picture image

Zephyr's Award for "Dullest Character to appear in a Disney movie"

And yet oddly enough he’s only new character to get a song in the sequel.

Next Time – The Songs *shudder*

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracles Sequel Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracles Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

24Sep 2011

HUnchback’s Deleted Songs

by jess

As Long as there’s a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So there were two Deleted Songs in Hunchback of Notre Dame; As Long as there’s a Moon and In a Place of Miracles. Both songs were love songs for Phoebus and Esmeralda, and occurs right before Frollo arrested anyone. It was an awkward place for the songs as it’s like “Hey Frollo is coming” “Oh no but first a love song”, it just didn’t work. The other problem is that the directors felt that a love song for Phoebus and Esmeralda took any the Quasimodo-ness from the movie, yada yada yada the directors loved Quasimodo as the focus and no else. As result no love songs.

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

As Long as there’s a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Both deleted songs were meh, In a Place of Miracle was a duet between Phoebus and Esmeralda and As Long as there’s a moon featured Clopin sining and followed a scene from the book. They’re average songs that were awkwardly placed.

As Long as there’s a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

I prefer As Long as there a moon more than In Place of Miracles but then agian Clopin the best human character. I also kind of like that they didn’t have a love song however maybe the addition of love song for Phoebus and Esmeralda would have made fans believe their romance instead of just thinking Esmeralda was shallow in not choosing Esmeralda.

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

As Long as there’s a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Next Time – ?

11Sep 2011

The Music of the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame â€“ The Reprise of The Bells of Notre Dame

by jess

Quasimodo accepted by the people Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney picture image

Quasimodo accepted by the people Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

After Frollo dies, the hellish lava goes away and the masses are happy. This is when Quasimodo, the lovable abet not too pretty hero emerges from the darkness and silence of Notre Dame to be greeted with the acceptance of the people. Why is he now welcome? I think for saving Esmeralda and saying “No” to Frollo. It’s not for killing Frollo, Notre Dame and Frollo’s haste took care of that.

Clopin, Frollo Puppet, and Girl Bells of Notre dame reprise Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quaismodo Bells of Notre dame reprise Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So as Quasimodo is being cheered, Clopin reprises the Bells of Notre Dame. Just in case you’re a complete moron the movie clearly shows the audience who the Monster was, the Frollo puppet. To think this whole time I just thought it was Frollo, Twist ending here; it was the Puppet! The man was Quasimodo, no surprise there.

Clopin Reprise of Bells of Notre Dame Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

If you like Bells of Notre Dame, you’ll like the Reprise. It is sung well by Clopin (as to be expected now from Paul Kandal). It’s a bit repetitive though, not sure how times the word “Bells” is uttered but it’s a lot. The lyrics are also a little strange;

“Whatever their pitch, you
Can Feel the bewitch you
The rich and ritual knell‘

The True Villain, The Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

Big Marie, The Lead Bell Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

He saying that the Ringing Bells have an effect of people. So was it the bells that made Frollo crazy with lust? I mean it says the Bells bewitch. Quasimodo did ring the bells right before Hellfire, and you only see him doing it once in the movie. So the Bells were the Frollo puppet accomplice. Of course, it all makes sense. The Puppet couldn’t stand that Frollo had all the power, so he harnessed the ancient Deus ex Machina power of the Bells to make Frollo crazy which would led to his death by Notre Dame, of course! I figured you out, movie. This makes the Bells and the Frollo Puppet the heroes and villains. TouchÃ© Disney, I didn’t know you were so complicated. Truly this twist rivals M. Night Shyamalan.

Quaismodo Bells of Notre dame reprise Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gargoyles - Victor, Hugo and Laverne at the end Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Djali, Esmeralda, and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

On an unrelated note, the song is a good ending, you get a curtain call: Quasimodo is happy to be “out there” “in the sun” with the “ordinary men.” The Gargoyles are happy that the people now love “a guy like” Quasimodo. Esmeralda is happy because Notre Dame (Mary) “helped the outcasts”. Phoebus is happy because his ex boss is dead and he has a hot new girlfriend. Djali and Clopin are happy because the sanction of street performers had lifted with Frollo’s death and now they donâ€˜t have to pay the Busker Tax. The only person who isn’t happy in all this is the Old Heretic, he fell into a sewer and was never to heard from again. They say on quiet nights you can heard an old man saying “Dang it.”

The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Final Shot Bells of Notre dame reprise Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Beauty and the Beast Ending Shot Stained Glass Disney

Genie page Peel, Final shot Aladdin Disney

Since the film ends with the same song as it began with, it’s only that it ends with a pull away though the sky above the Notre Dame. It’s appropriate yet a little cheesy but it’s better that ending on a stain glass window that show all the main characters, a la Beauty and the Beast or a stupid page peel by the Genie in Aladdin. Though it would be funny to have the Genie pop up in random Disney Movies saying “made you look” at the end.

Next Time – Someday, the Credit song and Delated Song.

A Picture from the demo reel of Someday Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

09Sep 2011

The Music of the Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame – Court of Miracles

by jess

Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

After some build up to the The Court Of Miracles, towards the end of movie we’re finally introduced to it via song. Phoebus and Quasimodo find it in through a grave that lends into the old catacombs. They go to warn they that Frollo is coming, however in going there they unknowingly lead Frollo there. The song is sung by Clopin, who is the leader. He’s backed by a good portion of the court.

Phoebus and Quasimodo Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin, Phoebus and Quasimodo Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The song is Clopin and crew basic telling what the Court of Miracles is, why it’s called that and that their going to die from intruding. This scene is taken from the book when Gringoire (not in the movie but his characterization is merged with Clopin and Phoebus) stumbles into the Court of Miracles). Unlike the book, Phoebus and Quasimodo aren’t married off as means of getting off the hook, (though in a deleted song Phoebus and Esmeralda do get married). Instead Esmeralda spoils Clopin’s fun.

The Blind Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Quasimodo Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The song is fun. It shows off Clopin’s personality as he delights in tormenting Quasimodo and Phoebus. The song is split into two parts the introduction to the truth of Court of Miracles; where scum of Paris collect. The Miracles reference to beggars faking ailments, like the lame walking and the blind being able to see. The second part is reason for the Court of Miracles: a safe haven for the nomads. Since the court are not Frollophiles, they seem more than happy to Phoebus, Captain of the Guard and Quasimodo, Frollo’s lackey, hang. This is the part of that is a little more fun as Clopin is tormenting Phoebus and Quasimodo as he about to hang them. He dress like a lawyer and a Judge ( Frollo), he also takes out his puppet clopin, and finally say that they are innocent but they are going to hang anyway.

Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin, Phoebus and Quasimodo Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin and Phoebus Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The real difference between the two parts is the fist part is in the dark spooky catacombs, where they are piles of bones and members of the Court are dressed like skeletons. This part is dark with a greenish undertone. The second part which is in the safe-haven, has a warm feel, bright lighting and colorful fabrics everywhere. It’s interesting to note that historical the Cour des miracles (Court of Miracles) were the slums of Paris not catacombs. But I guess the slum would have been easy for Frollo to find and it more intriguing as a concept, living in the scary catacombs.

Clopin coplay as Frollo while tormenting Phoebus and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin coplaying as Frollo overruling his puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The song is fun and well sung by Paul Kandel. When I was a kid I didn’t really care for it but now it’s in the top tier for me in Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Next time – Bells of Notre Dame Reprise

05Sep 2011

The Music of the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame â€“ Heaven’s Light

by jess

Quasimodo's figurines from "Heaven's Light"

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Hellfire Disney picture image

Frollo and an illusion of Esmeralda during Hellfire

Heaven’s Light and Hellfire are meant to be listened together. Both parts represent the basic nature of The Hunchback of Notre Dame; how feelings can be internalized and twisted according to the individual. However I’m going to look at Heaven’s Light and Hellfire separately, because of the intensity of Hellfire and the simplicity of Heaven’s Light.

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Heaven’s Light is the second ballad in the film and is Quasimodo’s final song though it is reprise later in the movie. It’s the only romantic song to make into movie. In this song Quasimodo equivalents love to being heavenly. Since Quasimodo believes himself to be hideous, he thinks he not meant for love. However since Esmeralda gave him a peak on the cheek without fear, he calls her an angel and he’s hopeful that she could love him. This hopefulness is gestalt of song.

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

There is lot going on in this song: Quasimodo explains what love is like, he feel he’s not meant for it but then not a beat goes by and he turns his hopeful-o-meter up to max, as he hopes that Esmeralda could love him because she wasn’t afraid of him. The song seems to do a lot. This is because it’s such a short song and that’s it feels kind of ADD. Quasimodo goes from being emo to sappy. Anarkia in Notre Dame de Paris has a similar ADD feel to it.

Victor and Laverne's drawing of Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo draws Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The elements of humor in this song by the gargoyles are actually good. It’s relevant and cute to the song. In the song each gargoyle draws a picture. The pictures reflect their personalities, Laverne and Victor draw Esmeralda and Hugo draws Djali. It’s cute relevant humor. I like Victor’s drawing the best.

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

I have to admit that for me this song gets a little lost because it’s the song that comes right before Hellfire, which is for many people is their favorite song in the film and their favorite villain. However listening to the song in isolation, it’s a sweet, well done song that develops Quaismodo’s character as both hopeful and naive.

Quasimodo reprise Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Esmeralda Kiss Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo reprise Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Later when the song is reprised it’s a bittersweet sting to Quaismodo as his heart breaks as he watches Esmeralda and Phoebus kiss.

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

All in all it’s a good song, not terrible but not not fanatic. It’s one flaw is being next to Hellfire.

Next Time – Hellfire.

Frollo singing Hellfire

19Aug 2011

The Music of the Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame “Out There”

by jess

http://youtu.be/7DCALg2levk

Frollo and Quasimodo during Out There Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Out There is for all intended purposes is a solo but its prelude is duet between Frollo and Quasimodo. Frollo sings about how awful the world is as a means for controlling Quasimodo. When Frollo departs the scene, the mood of the song changes into Quasimodo singing about a yearning to venture beyond the tower and go flocking with the normal people.

Quasimodo during Out There Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Ariel Disney The Little Mermaid

There is no good way to say it, Out There is a knock off of “Part of your World” from the Little Mermaid. Lots of Disney characters sing this “wanting more” type of song but Out There and Part of that World express the some thought. And it’s interesting that they both point to a direction; up for Ariel and down for Quasimodo and they both mention a desire for the sun and to be with “the people”. They also kind of look alike, red hair and they both wear green.

Quasimodo during Out There Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So how is the song on a music level? Got say, the song it’s self is pretty typical Disney fare. It’s one of the typical songs you’ll hear in a Disney movie, the dreamer’s song. It’s usually the main character singing about wanting something more. This song is just Quasimodo singing about even if just one day he wants to apart of the people. The music is fine, it’s nice and symphomatic. The lyrics are very repetitive: he wants to be to live a day with the regular people, I get. Quasimodo does come off naive to think that just because people live “out there” this qualifies them as normal and he also insinuates that it’s a gift for them to be normal despite the whole issue with gypsies who have to live in catacombs to avoid Frollo’s genocide tendencies.

Quasimodo during Out There Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The singing is where this song fails for me. Hulce’s vibrato has too much of a wobble for me. I think this fast vibrato is meant to give Quasimodo an innocence and naivety but it too much wobble. The wobbly vibrato ruins Hulce’s performance for me and do think he a decent enough singer otherwise.

Quasimodo during Out There Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo singing "Out There" Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney picture image

The best part of the song in the movie is the visuals. I remember the first time I saw it, the part where Quasimodo slid down the buttress was my favorite visual, I thought it looked fun, of course as a kid I thought it was a water slide and not a support structure. I really enjoy Quasimodo interacting with the Notre Dame, he may be dreaming on being on terra firma but Notre Dame is like his private playground.

Belle, Carpet, Pumbaa Disney Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Lion King

Belle, Carpet, and Pumbaa

Frollo in the Square during Out There Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Satellite Dish during Out There Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

There are a few things that appear in the song that many viewers don’t seem to notice. The first are cameos, which people do notice. The Cameos are Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Pumba (The Lion King) and Carpet (Aladdin). Two other things, is Frollo can be seen in the square as Quasimodo is looking down and a satillite dish can be seen on a house in the bird’s view of Paris or La Cite in this case.

Quasimodo during Out There Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So the song is by no means in the top tier of the songs in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, it by no means is it the worst. It’s just a VERY typical formulaic Disney song.

Next Time –Topsy Turvy

Clopin during the Feast of Fools Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

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