Gargoyles | The Hunchblog of 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

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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

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08Feb 2012

Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame“ Part 6

by jess

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

Trommeln in der Stadt

Mob Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Trommeln in der Stadt (Drums in the City) is a new song that uses Sanctuary from the original soundtrack. This song opens Act 2 and it expresses what the citizens think of Crazy Frollo’s search for Esmeralda. At first when they though it as just about “cleansing” (creepy word choice huh?) the city of Gypsies that was fine but with the all the soldiers, blockages and fire they’re are none to happy about it.

Like I said this song uses the music from Santuary, which is the music playing when Quasimodo is recusing Esmeralda from the Pyre in the movie, so the music is great. It’s dramatic and has high energy which is a great way to start the the second act. It also great to see how the normal people of Paris react to Frollo’s obsession.

Ein Mann wie du

Quasimodo with the Gargoyles Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Ein Mann wie du (A Man like you) is A Guy like you. It pretty much the same as the original song but it’s less annoying. Instead of making visual gags the Gargoyles throw random French words and phases into the song. Which isn’t as annoying as it sounds.

The song has one other difference Quasimodo sings in it. From what I can understand of the lyrics (because my German is non-existence) is that Quasimodo expresses that he wants to believe the Gargoyles but doesn’t quite. Musically I don’t think it adds much I guess it adds a bit of character development because this musically is a a lot guilty at throwing Quasimodo at the audience but at least he is more interesting here than the Disney movie Quaismodo.

Quasimodo with Antoine, Charles and Loni Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Given that this song in it’s conception is song that provides levity it’s a little awkwardly placed in this musical. As movies have continuous action something was need after Hellfire, the torture of Gypsies, the burning of the house, Phoebus getting shot and falling in the river to bright up the mood and while I don’t like A Guy like you at least the placement makes sense. Ein Mann wie du as a song of levity doesn’t really work. It’s the second song in Act 2 so the audience has had a break and the song prior didn’t have an emotional investment in it as it’s just about the Citizens of Paris. So ultimately and this pains me to say it’s not as successful as A Guy like you, it’s just better performed and not nearly as annoying.

So it’s mixed I don’t hate this song as I hate it’s Disney counterpart but I dislike the song in the musical as it doesn’t work as it’s concept intended. It hard because I like 10x better than the Movie version.

Next Time-
Weil du liebst
Tanz der Zigeuner
Weil du liebst

Quasimodo, Phoebus and the Gargoyles Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

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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!

Quasimodo by Rowland B. Wilson Disney the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda and Djali by Rowland B. Wilson Disney the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Frollo by Rowland B. Wilson Disney the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gargoyle by Rowland B. Wilson Disney the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Rats by Rowland B. Wilson Disney the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Bats by Rowland B. Wilson Disney the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Pigeons by Rowland B. Wilson Disney the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Birds by Rowland B. Wilson Disney the Hunchback of Notre Dame

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26Jan 2012

Hilf den Verstoß’nen and Hoch über der Welt “ Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame“ Part 3

by jess

This is the third part of the music review of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Hilf den Verstoß’nen

Esmeralda singing Hilf den VerstoÃŸenen in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda singing Hilf den Verstoß’nen in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Hilf den Verstoß’nen (God Help the Outcast) is for the most part the same as the Disney version with one exception, Quasimodo sings in it. This add-on makes the song a touch longer. Another minor difference is that unlike the parishioners in the Disney that sings about wanting wealth, fame, glory together in the stage show the first two lines are sung in solos. A minute difference. Musically the song is identical to the Disney. Seriously, play the songs together and they are the same musically.

It’s a nice version of God Help the Outcast. On the one hand, I rather like the addition of Quasimodo here but on the other it robs Esmeralda of a song to herself. I mean Phoebus gets one but Esmeralda also sings with someone else whereas Quasimodo gets two songs for himself, three is you want to count the Gargoyles as part of his psyche. Considering that I wish they had let Quasimodo out of the song but maybe Menken and Schwartz felt that Esmeralda and Quasimodo should have got one song together but Quasimodo shyness would have prevented him from actively singing with her so him stalking her around Notre Dame and sing along wit her prayer was a logic move to make but still would it have killed them to give her a solo song. Really if they really want to take God Help the Outcast from her they should made Einmal (Once) her solo song but we’ll get to Einmal later.

Watch a Video clip here

Hoch über der Welt

Esmeralda and Quasimodo during Hoch Ã¼ber der Welt in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Quasimodo during Hoch über der Welt in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Hoch über der Welt (High above the World) takes place when Esmeralda and Quasimodo are a top of Notre Dame and it is sung by Esmeralda and the gargoyles. Esmeralda thinks that Paris is better when viewed from above and the gargoyles encourage Quasimodo to put the moves on her. His move constitutes asking to sit next to her, which she agrees to and in the gargoyle tradition of jumping to conclusions they start planning the wedding.

This song acts as a bonding song between the two and it’s a good example of what works in a musical version wouldn’t work in a movie. A song like this in the movie would have killed the pacing and would have worked against Esmeralda sweeter less experienced nature.

Musically it employs the tactic that Zuflucht employed which was two melodies that are song together in the third part of the songs. This makes it so the first person(ie Frollo, Esmeralda, Phoebus etc) sing unaware of the gargoyles singing with them. And like Zuflucht the harmonies work well together.

Hoch über der Welt is a nice and sweet on Esmeralda’s end and fun and energetic on the gargoyles’ end. It also works to help establish Quasimodo and Esmeralda’s friendship more than just one the conversation they had in the movie

Watch a a video of being performed Here

Next Time-
Das Licht des Himmels (Heaven’s Light)
Das Feuer der Hölle (Hellfire)

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

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19Jan 2012

Die Glocken Notre Dames, Zuflucht, Draußen- Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame -Part 1

by jess

For the Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame I have decided to do a few songs at a time (with the two exceptions). I’m also going to try to not compare the singers between the Disney Cast and the Original Berlin Cast and I’m going to try not to discusss staging too much.

Die Glocken Notre Dames

Frollo (Norbert Lamla) with Baby Quasimodo and the Archdeacon Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Die Glocken Notre Dames (The Bells of Notre Dame) is the show’s opening number and it is pretty much exactly the same as it is in the movie but there are some differences. First off, no Puppet. Yeah, I know tragic. Clopin appears as a beggar and not as a performer, so any humor that the Disney version had is gone. Giving us a a clear tone. Also Clopin is not telling the story of Quasimodo and Frollo to children he instead tells it to the audience which makes him more clearly a narrator.

Another difference is Quasimodo’s mother talks back to Frollo. Now, I don’t speak much German and I don’t have access to a script (I looked and couldn’t find one so if you know what she saying or know of a script let me know) so I have no idea what she is saying, I could guess. Probably goes along the lines of something like this:

Frollo- Hey, you there what are you hiding?
Quasimodo’s Mother – Who me? It’s just my Baby
Frollo – You Lie, give me what you are concealing, I wants it!
Or something like that or I’m way off.

Another difference is there is some instruments. The difference can really be heard when the Archdeacon is singing. There is a Piano and a lower brass opposed to the original which seems to be woodwinds, bells and a high brass. Also the usage of bells at the end is different whereas the movie uses what sounds like low octave bells that play a few notes the musical opts for scales of higher octave bells and I swear I hear a xylophone in there.

Also the attitude of Frollo and Archdeacon are different. In the movie Frollo is cool and calm and the Archdeacon has a sad yet kind of soft tone till he get firm about the eyes. In the stage show Frollo is flustered and Archdeacon is forceful from the get go.

Also a staging difference, there are videos that you can be see on youtube (if Youtube isn’t killed by SOPA and PIPA) that shows this number performed on stage and when Quasimodo’s Mother is push by Frollo she doesn’t die right away. As she is dying she reaches for Quasimodo. So I guess she died of blood loss and not of head trauma or a broken neck like the movie but I’m no doctor. Watch Video Here

Zuflucht

Frollo and Quasimodo Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Zuflucht or Refuge is a song that is extended from Frollo’s part of the movie version of Out There. This song is where you learn that Frollo was a Priest but he thought that Paris was sick and needed to be save and so he changed his career to a judge. Quasimodo still sings in it with the addition of the Gargoyles Antoine (Hugo), Charles (Victor) and Loni (Laverne). The Gargoyles here sing against Frollo and encourage Quasimodo to go out side to see the world for himself.

Musically the first part is the same as the movie, so where Out There starts properly (Quasimodo’s part) the music changes and the last part with Gargoyles is like a composite of the new movement and the old one and it works well. I actually like the gargoyles here, their harmony together and with Frollo is nice. The harmony is like the Angel and Devil on each shoulder troupe. And having the Gargoyle sing with Frollo solidifies the gargoyles as imaginary. The Gargoyles part makes it clear that they are not as cheerful or upbeat as their movie counterparts. There is a combination of hope and confusion in their lines, because as they sing about what the outside world is like they can’t complete their thoughts because as aspects of Quasimodo they too have no idea what the outside world is like.

Draußen

Quasimodo with the Gargoyles Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Draußen or Outside is exactly the same as the movie version of Out There with one wonderful difference; there is no more wobbly vibrato. Another than that there are no further differences I can ascertain.

Watch Video clip here

Next Time – Part 2 of the Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame with;

Tanz auf dem Seil (Dance on the Rope)
Ein bißchen Freude (A Bit of Joy)
Drunter drüber (Topsy Turvy)

Esmeralda and Clopin during Drunter DrÃ¼ber" (Topsy Turvy) Der Glöckner von Notre Dame picture image

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

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15Jan 2012

Der Glöckner von Notre Dame Characters

by jess

Pictures are of the Original cast of Der Gloeckner Von Notre Dame

Drew Sarich as Quasimodo in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Quasimodo in this version is not deaf but he has trouble expressing himself in verbal communication. He is however able to express himself when he sings. He seems to have a more of a morose attitude than he had in the Disney version but he is still pretty much the same.

Judy Weiss as Esmeralda in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Esmeralda is a young dancer who is a newcomer to the Court of Miracles. She gets very frustrated with inequality. She a has a difficulty keeping her thoughts to herself which is why she had to move to Paris and why she gets in trouble with Frollo. She is not a sassy or as sexual aware as she in the movie but she does come off sweeter and naive, which is more like the book.

Norbert Lamla as Frollo Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Frollo was a priest in his youth and decided that Paris needed to be save so he became a became a Judge. He hates Gypsy and believes that they are sole the problem with Paris. He takes care of Quasimodo as a act of contrition for killing Quasimodo’s mother. He hopes Quasimodo will think like him and his emotional abuse is something that he is unaware of. Frollo becomes consumed with lust for Esmeralda which drives him insane. He thinks the cure is either to possess her or destroy her. He seems to have intensity than he has in movie. I would also point out that Frollo being a former priest is only mention once. (Then again I can’t find the copy of the script I found ages go and I didn’t read the whole thing, so it could have been mention several time in the dialogue portion {that’s the problem with not have a public DVD recording of the show}).

Fredrik Lycke as Phoebus in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Phoebus is the newly promoted Captain of the Guards. He hopes the job will offer him some rest and relaxation. He also enjoys flirting with girls. After meeting Esmeralda he decides that he rather be good than obey Frollo’s insane orders and becomes a criminal. I rather like that Phoebus starts off similar to the book more or less a playboy type and then betters himself.

Jens Janke as Clopin in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Clopin is the story teller, leader of the Court of Miracles and the Festival of Fools. Clopin does very little for the plot but he seems to enjoy regaling the tale to the audince and providing exposition. In his storyteller role he dresses like an old begger which further separates his character into two distinct characters unlike the movie where he does as pretty the same person.

Tamas Ferkay as Antoine in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Valentin Zahn as Charles in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Yvonne Ritz Andersen as Loni in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

The Gargoyles are Quasimodo’s imaginary friends. They try to encourage Quasimodo to leave Notre Dame and recuses Esmeralda. They also try to comfort him after Esmeralda dies. They don’t have the over the top personalities that their Disney counterparts have nor do the make pop culture references or fart jokes. Their levity is light-hearted and subtle. I don’t think the production could really take these character away nor could they make them akin to Disney movie characters if they wanted to achieve a dark tone. So making them subtle and completely imaginary was a good way to handle them, though they are still a bit annoying but no where near the level they are in the movie.

*Trivia – Gargoyles names are taking from Famous actors who played Quasimodo:
Loni- Lon Chaney (1923)
Charles – Charles Laughton (1939)
Antoine – Anthony Hopkins (1982)

Carlo Lauber as the Archdeacon in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

The Archdeacon guilts Frollo into taking care of Quasimodo. He also orders Frollo to leave Notre Dame when he tries to arrest Esmeralda. He is also the one who asks Quasimodo to hide Phoebus after he is shot. Like the Disney movie he does have that much personality. He does seem to do a bit more in the play than the movie but not much.

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05Jan 2012

Der Glöckner von Notre Dame Plot

by jess

Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

In a nutshell Der Glöckner von Notre Dame follows the plot of the Disney movie. So please forgive me for rehashing the Disney plot, more or less. Also please forgive me, it’s a little hard to review this as I can’t watch the show in it’s entirety.

Act 1

Frollo (Norbert Lamla) with Baby Quasimodo and the Archdeacon Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Der Glöckner von Notre Dame starts with Clopin dressed as an old Beggar, telling the origin tale of Frollo and Quasimodo, in which a group of Gypsies try to illegally enter Paris and are ambushed by the Minster of Justice, Claude Frollo. One of these gypsies is a mother who attempts to flee and tries to claim sanctuary in Notre Dame but Frollo accidently kills her. The Archdeacon guilts Frollo in taking care of baby who is deformed, Frollo agrees to raise the baby, which he named Quasimodo and hopes he can raise him to think like him.

Quasimodo with Antoine, Charles and Loni Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Twenty years later Quasimodo is the bell ringer of Notre Dame. Quasimodo is shy, awkward, and is of few words. His only friends are imaginary Gargoyles, Antoine, Charles, and Loni. The gargoyles encourage Quasimodo to venture outside for the Festival of Fools. Frollo visits Quasimodo and tells him that if Quasimodo were to leave he’ll only confront the cruelty of the world but the Gargoyles keep telling him to disobey Frollo. After Frollo leaves, Quasimodo’s desire to spend one day outside wins over his loyalty to Frollo.

Esmeralda and Clopin Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

As the Parisians prepare for the Festival of Fools, Clopin, the King of Gypsies and leader of the Court of Miracles prepares the Gypsies for the festival. A newcomer to the Court of Miracle becomes the focus of their attention. This newcomer is a young dancer named Esmeralda. While this is occurring, Phoebus is returning to Paris and if excited about his new promotion and hoped to get to a little rest and relaxation in this new post. He also takes this time to flirt with a local girl. His flirting is interrupted with a gypsy accused of theft is fleeing. the gypsy pleads their innocence but Frollo arrives of the scene and orders the soldier to arrest the Gypsy. Frollo tells Phoebus he plans on finding the Court of Miracles eliminating the Gypsy.

Quasimodo and Clopin Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

As the Festival begins Quasimodo dresses in a disguise to hide from Frollo’s gaze. However Frollo’s gaze follows to Esmeralda as she dances for the crowd. After her dance, the King of Fools contest starts. Thinking Quasimodo’s face is a mask, Esmeralda pulls him on stage where is he then crowned the King and then the crowd turns on him and he humiliated. Esmeralda helps Quasimodo and openly insults Frollo for his cruelty. Frollo orders Phoebus to arrest her but Esmeralda disappears. Frollo then scolds Quasimodo for disobedience and sends hims back to Notre Dame.

Esmeralda singing Helf den VerstoÃŸ'nen Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Esmeralda follows Quasimodo into Notre Dame but Phoebus catches her in the cathedral and Frollo arrives to arrest her but the Archdeacon orders Frollo to leave because she is protected under sanctuary. Frollo orders guards at every door of the cathedral to ensure that Esmeralda can’t escape. Esmeralda then prays for her people and the down-trodden.

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Esmeralda follows Quasimodo up to the bell tower. Once up there, Esmeralda becomes captivated by the view of Paris. The Gargoyles encourage Quasimodo to talk with Esmeralda. Quasimodo tries a little bit but then in order to repay her kindness he helps her escape. Before leaving Esmeralda gives Quasimodo an amulet which will lead him to the Court of Miracles should he ever need her and she give a kiss on the cheek. After she takes her leave, Quasimodo expresses his tender feelings of love for her while Frollo expresses the torment she brings him and feelings of lust.

Esmeralda saving Phoebus Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Frollo hears that Esmeralda has fled the cathedral. Frollo asks Quasimodo where she has gone and Quasimodo lies to Frollo by claiming her doesn’t know. Phoebus then realizes Frollo is insane and defies him. Frollo orders Phoebus to be executed but Esmeralda saves him while Frollo and his men begin the search for her by burning Paris to ground. As Phoebus is fleeing he is shot by an arrow and falls into a river.

Act 2

Mob Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Frollo’s men continue their search while Esmeralda rescues Phoebus and tells him to seek sanctuary at Notre Dame while she returns to the Court of Miracles. Meanwhile the Gargoyles convince Quasimodo that Esmeralda has romantic feeling towards him and is safe from Frollo’s madness. The Archdeacon then bring Phoebus up to the bell tower knowing that Esmeralda is friends with Quasimodo asks him to hide Phoebus.

Quasimodo, Phoebus and the Gargoyles Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Frollo then turns up at the Bell Tower and finds out that Quasimodo helped her escape. Frollo then tells Quasimodo that he knows the location of the Court of Miracles he plans on attacking at dawn. After Frollo leaves Phoebus asks Quasimodo to help him find the Court of Miracles and warn Esmeralda. Quasimodo refuses to leave the cathedral but Phoebus and the gargoyles tell him about the values of devotion and selflessness, and Quasimodo agrees.

Dance of the Gypsies Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Quasimodo uses Esmeralda’s amulet to find the Court of Miracles. The Gypsies assume that that they are Frollo’s spies but Esmeralda assures them that they are their friends. Phoebus tells them about Frollo’s plans. Clopin orders the Gypsies to leave. Esmeralda and Phoebus decide to leave the city together while Quasimodo watches them and is heartbroken as Esmeralda prepares to leave with the man she truly loves. However before anyone can flee the Court of Miracles, Frollo’s men show up and arrests everyone and reveals that he followed Quasimodo.

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

Quasimodo is taken back to Notre Dame where he is tied up. The Gargoyles implore him to help Esmeralda but Quasimodo tell them to leave him. Frollo visits Esmeralda in jail and offers her freedom by becoming his women. She tells Phoebus that she would except Frollo’s offer if only to save him but Phoebus tell her to do it for herself but she tells him that a life with Frollo doesn’t seem like living. As Esmeralda awaits her execution she hopes that humanity learns to live in peace.

Molten Lead Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Esmeralda is tied to the stake and she refuses Frollo and he lights the pyre. Quasimodo seeing Esmeralda in pain rescues her and takes her into the safety of Notre Dame. Frollo’s order an attack on Notre Dame and Phoebus and the other Parisian stand up against Frollo. Quasimodo defends the cathedral with molten lead and as he tells Esmeralda he has won he sees her die. As Esmeralda is dying she thanks Quasimodo for being an good friend. Quasimodo mourns her as Frollo breaks into the room to try to kill him. In a fit of rage Quasimodo throws Frollo off of Notre Dame. The Gargoyles try to console Quasimodo by saying the world is full of good and evil. Quasimodo then carries Esmeralda’s body though the Square with Phoebus by his side. Clopin appears and brings the show full circle and ask what makes a monster and what makes a man.

Quasimodo carry Esmeralda and Phoebus Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Next Time – Characters of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame Musical

Ann Christin Elverum as Esmeralda Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

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30Dec 2011

A Review of a Review

by jess

Diseneycember

So in December 2011 Doug walker ( who plays the insanely Popular Internet Critic Character The Nostalgia Critic on That Guy With the Glasses) reviewed all the Disney Featured Films. And Since I have a Blog about the Hunchback of Notre Dame this gives me the right to do a review of a review, clique I know. So Here we go.

Esmeralda in the dungeon of La Tournelle. Illustration by Burdet

Frollo singing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Louis Boulanger's Illustration of Frollo, Esmeralda and Sachette

The first I noticed that either Walker hasn’t read the book or it’s been a while. First thing he claims the book is “Dark and Twisted.” Now I could I be the twisted one but I don’t find the book that dark or twisted. I mean I guess since main all the characters die and it has a tormented Priest as a main character this qualifies it as “dark” but there are darker books in the world. And dare I say there is a lot of humor. Maybe it’s because it a French story that the darker element stick out and it if were Russian it would fit in. Maybe it’s because people are inclined to thinking the book is of the Gothic Style, which it is not it’s actually Romantic. Anyway the Book will have it’s time here but I disagree with Walker, it’s comparatively darker than some Books but Twisted: No.

AimÃ© de Lemud Illustration of Phoebus Saving Esmeralda from Quasimodo picture image

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda defying Frollo by helping Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda being Tortured

Another thing that made it clear he doesn’t recall the book is the mentioning of the crimes by Esmeralda and Quasimodo. He says that Quasimodo “accidently commits some sort of crime” and he claims that Esmeralda is not arrested for witchcraft. Quasimodo doesn’t accidently kidnapped Esmeralda, Frollo orders him to do it and he does no question. And Esmeralda 100% accused of witchcraft, there was a whole thing in the book where she accused of turning a coin in a dry leave and the tricks she taught Djali which are far more innocent than her trick in the Disney movie. Considering the Kidnapped attempt and Esmeralda’s trail are big portions of the plot I’m not going to let this generalization of Walker’s part go. But then again these scenes are not really in the Disney movie it’s a little forgivable.

Quasimodo as the King of Fools Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Illustration of Quasimodo as the Pope of Fools by Edouard de Beaumont 1844

Shock the Priest Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Another slight problem with his fact checking is the Feast of Fools, Walker calls it a celebrations of Gypsy but the Feast of Fools was a Festival which akin to April’s Fool. Also he brings up some confusion on the way the Gypsy are portrayed. I think that in his thinking the Feast of Fool tripped him up in this explanation but when he says that Esmeralda say that they’re not all thieves but then there is the Court of Miracle where they keep there stolen stuff. However this a problem of making the Court of Miracles in a Gypsy haven which is not in either the book or actuality. In the book the Court of Miracles is where beggars and thieves lives and some Gypsy live there as well including Esmeralda. In actuality the Court of Miracles is the slums.

Gargoyles A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Walker is a fan of this movie however like me he did hate the Gargoyles. He bring up an interesting point about the Gargoyles being Judgmental and berating each others one looks, which goes against the point of the movie. Walker admits that he could have given the film credit if they were imaginary. The thing is they were supposed to be, if you listen to the commentary that’s what they strived for but they just forgot and there are too many inconsistencies. The film tried they just failed to make that aspect come out.

Molten Lead over Notre Dame Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame groping Esmeralda Disney picture image

Frollo groping Esmeralda

Notre Dame of Paris Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Walker likes the look of the movie, how grand everything looks and the shear scope. He likes both Frollo and Quasimodo but really didn’t mention the other character except the Gargoyles. He did mention Esmeralda and Phoebus’ romance being boring. He like Hellfire and The Bells of Notre Dame. He like that the film tackles the issues of faith, Good, Evil, Heaven, Hell and Lust. Which if you’re going to do Hunchback of Notre Dame you need to handle the lust, I mean that drives the plot.

Frollo and Baby Quasimodo bells Disney Hunch back of Notre Dame picture image

Frollo and Baby Quasimodo during the Bells of Notre Dame Disney Hunch back of Notre Dame

Esmeralda as a fire demon dancing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Frollo singing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Walker admits the film is clunky but on the whole he loves it. He can understand why it wasn’t a be hit and he admires it for the risks it took.

Djali licking Phoebus with Esmeralda Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney

The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

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

The thing about it is if you’re a fan of Hugo’s book, you can still like it, I think you just have to accept it as a different story, which it is. I’ve commented enough on this version (6 months) but it’s not a bad movie for what it is: a children’s version of Hunchback of Notre Dame, it works, so I agree with Walker, just wished his fact checking had been better. (Though I’m not a big fan of Quasimodo)

Quasimodo reacting to the craziness Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

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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

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Tag Archives: Gargoyles

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

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

Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame“ Part 6

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

Hilf den Verstoß’nen and Hoch über der Welt “ Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame“ Part 3

Die Glocken Notre Dames, Zuflucht, Draußen- Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame -Part 1

Der Glöckner von Notre Dame Characters

Der Glöckner von Notre Dame Plot

A Review of a Review

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

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