Before Les Misérables became one of the most famous musicals in the world There was a record. In 1980, Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Jean-Marc Natel created an entirely new work in France: the musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece. And the adventure began in the studio. Recorded in Paris and London, the original 1980 concept album forms the blueprint of Les Misérables, even before it's stage premiere at the Palais des Sports in Paris. It is this historic, original French version that we are now reissuing on vinyl.

THE "GROUND ZERO" OF A WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON

A few months after the album was recorded, Les Misérables came to life on the stage of the Palais des Sports in Paris, staged by Robert Hossein. Then the work crossed the English Channel. Adapted into English and produced by Cameron Mackintosh, it became, from 1985 onward, an international phenomenon: London, Broadway, then the whole world. More than 130 million spectators in over 50 countries. Decades of performances. International awards. Songs that became standards.

AN EXCEPTIONAL CAST

This studio version has another feature that makes it a true collector's item today: it's cast. Alongside Maurice Barrier as Jean Valjean and Rose Laurens as Fantine, the recording brings together several major figures of French song. Michel Sardou plays Enjolras. Salvatore Adamo plays Combeferre. Michel Delpech plays Feuilly. Also featured are Yvan Dautin, Marie-France Roussel, Richard Dewitte, Fabienne Guyon and many other performers from this founding adventure. A cast that the international history of Les Misérables will never bring together again.