onvey many moods, from joyous to melancholy, as well as provide a perfect platform for the lyrics, which comprise almost all of the spoken language of the musical. The moods are perhaps the most noticeable element of the musical, for example, the feeling conveyed though Master of the House is lightheartedness and comic. On the other end of the spectrum, there is the sullen emptiness felt in On My Own, a song about unknown and unrequited love. There is also a very tangible flow to the entire performance, one that seems to be moving along and carrying the story. It is very visceral and subconscious at the same time, providing for a very pleasant experience altogether.Working hand in hand with the instrumental aspect, the lyrics of Les Misrables lend themselves wholly to the mood of the pieces. From Can You Hear the People Sing, a march drumming up support for the upcoming revolution, to A Little Fall of Rain, in which a dying Eponine professes her hidden love, the lyrics portray perfectly the mood and complement the music wholly. The success of these portrayals is reflected by the response of the audience, which was exuberant and highly appreciative.When comparing the two performances, it is important to notice the influence that one may have had on another. For example, the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had a terrific impact on the musical world, and subsequently, practically every musician is influenced in some way by his input. Therefore, it would be logical to assume that Schonberg was influenced by the works of Mozart. Though they vary in elements such as instruments as well as words, many have much in common, such as structure, which follows a basic formula of repeating melodies and reprisals. They also share much in the sense of flow, tonality, and dynamics.The effect of both performances on me as both a listener and a musician was a good one. Not only have both exposed me to various facets of the musical world, they ...
