Philip Quast gives a masterclass in singing Les Mis

To watch the full interview, visit www.behindthere...

[@mike6340]

This man could give a class about the texture of sand and I would hang on every word.

[@marajadefire77]

So true! Glorious voice.

[@Miatpi]

Agree, and I don't like sand... :P

[@100blueeyedboy]

steady on Anakin

[@Wolfmyth100]

There are several people (along with Quast) who could give a class on the texture of sand, and I'd listen to it.... Alan Rickman (May he rest in peace...I hope he has classes in heaven) Morgan Freeman James Earl Jones David Attenborough Stephen Fry

[@marajadefire77]

Wolfmyth100 Agreed! Alan in desperately missed. Can I add the glorious Tom Hardy to the mix?

[@StewartFletcher]

Such a bloody powerful voice-- even when just speaking casually. No man but Quast will ever *truly* be Javert

[@aurynl3040]

also made for one hell of a judge turpin from sweeney todd

[@ohwellwhateverr]

Norm Lewis is better imo

[@jeanninehochet]

Norm Lewis is excellent as Javert. Also the newest actor Jayden at the Sondheim London is good. Reminds me a lot of Philip Quast.

[@hubbub15600]

Bradley Jaden is a good shout

[@livebythecreed1000]

Can confirm, I’ve got him as our singing teacher for our course and even his normal speaking voice is just so pleasant to listen to

[@DaveyJonesPewbacca]

can Phillip Quest give an analysis of every javert song ever?

[@SgaVorGirl]

Other Javerts are depressing when you've heard Phillips Quasts performance.

[@Cheesefist]

I don’t know, Russel Crowe came pretty close

[@SaetherOfficial]

@@Cheesefist Crowe is like the worst one

[@jackzhang6889]

What about Hadley Fraser?

[@ceanadrobinson]

@@jackzhang6889 HAAADDLEEEYYYY FRAAASSEERRR

[@andrewlevin7586]

Austin Williams This man’s got jokes.

[@BrianNormoyle]

This is exceptional. And his classical theatre training reigns throughout. This is a seven-minute crash-course masterclass on how to analyze any dramatic text.

[@JohnDoe-gk7ok]

Even though he didn’t create the role, I’d say that he’s the definitive Javert. In my opinion, nobody has done it as well as him. I wish he could’ve somehow been part of the movie.

[@cgrisetti87]

Absolutely

[@MrMistrEnigma]

Well said and absolutely correct!

[@w9gb]

I consider his 10th anniversary performance to be his best. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6PbnGejq8p_edk

[@ceanadrobinson]

I totally agree👍👍👍

[@linhiril664]

He would have dwarfed everyone else. I wanted Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean. The guy has the same qualities as Quast: gorgeous voice, compassionate thoughtful acting. His “Bring Him Home” is definitive and always makes me cry. Like Quast, he BELIEVES in the “reality” of the character. JVJ is not a character in a play, but a real man, every word and note.

[@annefritsch8916]

I wrote my Masters thesis on the translation of Javerts Suicide (from the original French to English, back to French and to German). He said about as much (and more) in 5 minutes than I did on 80+ pages.

[@edwardcrews3174]

How the hell did you write 80 pages on that lmao thats impressive

[@annakim9870]

After researching for your paper did you feel any of the translations left anything out? Did each translation put it's own cultural context on his suicide?

[@thedaniell91]

I would love to read that thesis! 😊

[@xavierlawrence3618]

Bro can I read it plz😭😭

[@saladien9987]

I wanna read it too

[@leedscab123]

He is simply the best to play Javert ever. I saw him several times during the 1992 UK tour and I still get goose bumps simply because it was that amazing, what else can I say

[@liamharsh8222]

wow

[@marajadefire77]

Cannot bear to watch any other Javer. He embodies him so completely.

[@sophiagermain3631]

See, While he's in my top 2, I'm torn between him and Norm Lewis. I find myself hard pressed to pick one over the other.

[@Kasino80]

leedscab123 he was my first. I still emulate his singing style when I sing any type of show tune.

[@karensantos5421]

Yes! I never saw him live but just watching him on screen already gave me goosebumps and tears!

[@ChesterSaD100]

The hat is trying to run away during a whole video. But there is no place for it to hide.

[@bigmaxy07]

it shall be HHHHHUNETD!!!!

[@jonathandoelander6130]

He should be running a Dinosaur Cloning Park.

[@bombsingaza]

😂❤️

[@curtiswong7280]

He holds dominion over the hat, so to say.

[@bombsingaza]

@@curtiswong7280: That hat needs a workshop of its own!

[@ranrise]

The definitive Javert.

[@Equestributch]

This was the best literary analysis I have ever seen in my life.

[@annwyn321]

Amazing how much thought goes into this. I think that a lot of us take for granted that singers in musicals just go up there and sing the lyrics. It's easy to forget that they're Acting, as well.

[@holidaysinsweden]

This is the amount of thought and work that lie behind an expressive performance! Quast is the most amazing Javert ever, it's like it was written for him. (And, even his speaking voice is beautiful. omg.)

[@linhiril664]

He makes tears come to my eyes just listening to him talk about it. Such thoughtful compassion for the character. The most wonderful portrayal of Javert I have ever seen.

[@linhiril664]

The only Javert I have ever cried for…

[@deedeegreen8338]

A better Javert there will never be. That voice, oh that voice!!! He makes me believe every word. " It is Valjean or Javert!" Love it!! I would love to see this in person.

[@affectivity]

The 10th anniversary concert version has him as Javert. I never got to see him sing the role on Broadway.

[@marcelinon.1897]

Unfortunately for me, I never got to see him act Javert. I only saw him sing Javert in the 10th Anniversary. I can't find any recorded video of him acting Les Miz in KZbin.

[@stormwing2614]

This man truly does give a masterclass... legend.

[@shippy1991]

He is a legend! Definitely the best Javert

[@FreedomKat]

Peter Shipway AMEN!

[@josephmesina5353]

I agree with you. Seen the 10th Anniversary Concert on DVD...Best Javert!!!!

[@kingelder2]

wow,I have listened to Javerts Suicide loads of times ,I have listened to Philip Quast singing it loads of times but when he strips the song back and real gets to the core of what it means and what its about it makes you think about it in a totally different light and it also makes me remember why Les Mis is my fave Musical ever :)

[@aussieman1234]

He truly is the best damn Javert that has lived.

[@macreefs]

Never did I think to read Javert's Suicide like Shakespeare but it is almost more beautiful than the full piece. Incredible.

[@ugadawghouse]

As many times as I’ve heard this song, I had no idea how much thought that he put into his performance. It’s awesome to be able to listen to him and absorb that knowledge & forethought!

[@amandae8437]

Philip was literally Javert straight outta the book!. Victor Hugo would approve

[@dadama925]

I doubt Hugo would approve any musical version of his novel, not even opera which was his era.

[@SmashBroRazz]

When I was in Les Miz at The Muny, the musical director coached us in a similar fashion, where we went through our songs syllable-by-syllable, word-by-word, to analyze how to deliver it believably and make it sound great. It works wonders. Cool to know that Philip Quast had the same coaching from Trevor Nunn!

[@Pwanchi]

Philip Quast is the type of guy you'd listen to no matter what he says.

[@philsmith7716]

Saw Philip Quast 3 times as Javert in Manchester. His performance blew me away each time. For me, the star of the show.

[@willashland4597]

My God what a powerful speaker

[@francodisanto4658]

Could listen to him for hours

[@stevenmilton17]

I've always held tremendous admiration for the talents of this man and now hearing him speak so eloquently. Really now puts him at the very top of my list of talented individuals in this world

[@iangraham9050]

Loved watching him, Lea Salonga and the rest of the cast in Les Mis 10th Anniversary, it just took my breath away.

[@eichelbergergary]

still the Gold standard despite being "just" a concert version. I only have it in DVD and would love to see a Blu-Ray release. It absolutely never gets stale.

[@SAINT_OF_GROGNARDS]

I've been a touring musician for several years, and I just discovered the wonder of musicals...Holy shit this man is amazing.

[@Book_Bird]

So glad I clicked onto this one. Masterful performer made all the more impressive by sharing his method.

[@flower2364]

Best Javert ever...the man was...is... amazing. I hung on his every word...

[@inmate24601]

Mr. Quast not being cast as Javert in the film was an injustice for the audience.

[@Belfastboi]

Maybe the producers thought Crowe was the next best thing, they look similar are both Aussies (exceptional singers) but there the similarities end. Sometimes I wish they would immortalise the brilliance and give the role to the best man, not the star. It would have been a better movie with Philip in that role.

[@CocoOPNY]

Oh --- if only Whenever I watch Les Mis the movie, I have to undo the damage and watch Philip Quast's KZbin videos or I go a bit crazy ... I should say, my thoughts fly apart

[@inmate24601]

@@Belfastboi I had to re-read your post to make sure I read you correctly. Russell Crowe is a great actor but his singing is bad. It just is.

[@saladien9987]

Crowe is unfortunately really bad at singing. What a bad choice.

[@kevincooper33]

Step 1: Have one of the most spectacular voices in all of stage theatre. Absolutely captivating.

[@missink1728]

He is so one with the role of Javert. This talk just proves that he really puts thought behind the words he sings. It's the emotion he puts behind his performance that really makes it shine.

[@annakim9870]

"How can I now allow" he just throws it out there mid conversation. Incredible talent I can't even sing properly with music keeping the beat haha

[@Armonis]

By far my favorite song to sing, and this man puts to words the emotions I try to pour into it each time.

[@Chef316]

My absolute favorite Javert. Wish I could sit in on a whole clinic with this man.

[@propertyinvestingwithcleme3099]

Wow....this guy just gave a masterclass on communication.

[@irun_mon]

his voice is so calming

[@ViewerAnna]

I had no idea that how to sing a song could be so fascinating and so deeply thought out. I was spellbound. No wonder it moves me so deeply when I hear him sing this. Thank you, Philip.

[@eichelbergergary]

he is telling us exactly why we are so impressed with his performance without saying that...this greatly increases my appreciation for his performance by now understanding beyond a surface impression, exactly why I find it so moving and connective.

[@karensantos5421]

OhMyGosh! I learned so much! I never knew it took that much to get emotions into singing a song. So, that's how it goes! Seriously, that's hard! So much respect to all Theatre performers and everyone involved!

[@patrickholland6848]

probably the best male singing voice ever in musical theater.

[@connorgonzalez4023]

He is truly incredible. My first Javert and my most favorite. He truly puts the "master" in masterclass. This man, nothing short of a gift from God to this world, could read a phonebook and I would be completely enraptured. Which begs rhe question, why hasn't he done more audiobooks or voice acting?

[@judithhickey6936]

Phillip Quast is my favorite Javert . His voice is so powerful and awesome.

[@plernhaddock9588]

i don't sing but if there is a class taught by Phillip Quast i would break every wall and join

[@luciamorosini7827]

I think he still teaches at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sidney

[@pencilled_robin]

A brilliant analysis, and oh my God, what a voice. Amazing timing and precision. He should narrate audiobooks.

[@amanda6993]

The best Javert ever!. So accurate to the book as well

[@sjfoster12]

god this is phenomenal

[@annamob]

I hadn’t realized the chiaroscuro in this song was so prominent! I adore this character and this lovely actor.

[@diamondfilms5227]

Philip Quast Aussie legend from so many great series and shows just saw him in Hackshaw Ridge and fond memories from Playschool! Dang we all get older - he got wiser. What a brilliant breakdown of the song.

[@Adirondaque]

One of my fave actors is Jeff Bridges. Quast, in this interview, makes me think of him. Great minds think alike, with their soft as candy voices...

[@affectivity]

I can see that. Bridges has a magical voice.

[@RebeccaEdwardsJamesEdwards]

I love this man. He is awesome. Quast has the quickness of thought & spirit to find the power & soul of a character., this is the soul of us all.

[@keithharris3734]

I love that song and now I have a reason to love it even more. Quast is an epic hero of the stage.

[@kafem57]

Could Phillip Quast PLEASE just keep giving.

[@andkyrmar]

This man is an amazing teacher.

[@Beautifullytragic6]

Oh my GAWD. I love this. His talent is immeasurable.

[@renzcruzmabalatan2225]

SINGING-storytelling of creating deeper understanding with all emphasis and passion

[@wartburg88]

Thank you, maestro for this brief master class!

[@boogereater112]

What a great public speaker/performer

[@TwinkBuster]

As a man who aspires to play this role, this is a great thing to see. I learn so much more about a creative process and how I can apply it to my character.

[@elisabethnerolk2283]

I LOVE PHILIP QUAST!!!

[@stellao.7365]

That is one of the best videos ive seen in a long time

[@m0o0oeh]

A fascinating insight into the best song in the show.

[@chrisp4170]

I see your point and it is an important song, but the whole story is encapsulated by ‘Who am I?’ sung of course by Valjean

[@m0o0oeh]

@@chrisp4170 it’s a great song, but for me nothing encapsulates both Valjean and Javert like that song. We learn throughout the whole musical of the journey these two have been on, and Valjean could have killed him, he could have done so many things after the endless running and hunting, but he chose not to, prompting Javerts last song. A moment that lives with me forever (despite my younger brother spoiling it for me for years by yelling “splash!” right as Quast utters the last syllables.) It’s an amazing show, and remains in my top 5 musicals of all time, but Phillip Quast will only ever be *my* Javert.

[@virtualenvironmentfellowsh6671]

Seeing this was so motivating! Thank you KZbin! What an inspiration ❤

[@eslermanu47]

He is to Les Miserables what Rod Mooney is to Oliver no one could replace either of them.

[@dadama925]

Have you listened to the original Fagan in the musical?

[@vc23]

eslermanu47 Ron Moody was the actor that played Fagin.

[@davidatteratta5457]

Wow, what an amazing breakdown of an actor/singers process

[@jap33jpd]

He is indeed a Master!

[@Tom-eh7hj]

He is the only singer from any type of music that has given me goose bumps, seeing him live with his voice is way beyond all others.

[@kafem57]

What a gift! True brilliance.

[@garypugh1153]

You are that guy that sings "stars". Amazing , inspiring , awsome voice and musical piece ! 🎶🎸🎼

[@wellyngtonamaral4097]

Easy for those who has his amazing voice.

[@LAUREN-dp7vx]

Someone hire Quast to read the audiobook of The Brick, it would be even more gripping than it actually is and inspire so many more devotees

[@wendybath4181]

Brilliant. Such respect for the words and their meaning. Many men sing this beautifully but miss the mark when it comes to the turmoil Javert is going through. The words in this song sum up the whole story, of dark versus light, fear versus love. Young performers would benefit hugely from watching Philip's mastery of his craft.

[@oliviakao8142]

Best Javert ever!

[@Shindai]

I had no idea there was so much in this! I had to go have a go at singing it immediately and it was far more satisfying bearing this information in mind :) This was brilliant

[@realnohat]

There are times, and you know when you see it, that you recognize how great we can be; what we can create that transcends all, makes everything else look small; makes us wonder why we can't just be this way with each other, toward each other all the time... So good!

[@robertobutz993]

He’s exceptionally excellent 👌👌👌

[@randomman2588]

This is gold! I really love singing his songs and this is just great stuff, I've never though about singing in this way :)

[@WillScarlet16]

Two of the greatest Javerts I've ever seen - Philip Quast and Geoffrey Rush - were both Australian.

[@IanRob2011]

Came late to discovering this talented man. Brilliant actor and singer.

[@larissabrewington9065]

That was AMAZING.

[@RodCornholio]

Genius.

[@shawnpavlik1293]

Sheer and utter brilliance....

[@905118]

My heart trembles... :)

[@pvitaljr1]

This man is really a very good singer!

[@DreynHarry]

Mr. Quast clearly is a friend of the socratic teaching method.... questioning questioning questioning - and his voice is bloody awesome 😀

[@marnistone6153]

He's amazing!

[@briang.2218]

Wow this man is incredible.

[@faridshahid1833]

Absolutely fascinating

[@tonyhibbs1600]

The best Javert there has been. Brilliant.

[@carolwillment1788]

I'm in love !!! Just watching him in BETWEEN TWO WORLDS.

[@MiriamTheMagnificent]

*HUNTED* My GOD! No one puts as much BITE into a word like Quast! :D

[@lexb1075]

And now I understand why he's the best ever.

[@elizabethroberts6215]

He was in UK tv series’ ‘Ultraviolet’ (1998) who had a new actor in it named Idris Elba…… He’s been in many Aussie films & tv shows’ as well since 1991. Always great to watch his consummate acting……

[@danielmorse6597]

Amazing, just amazing.

[@francodisanto4658]

So wish I could have seen Philip as Javert live

[@dreal500]

This is awesome!

[@Robylazarus]

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing.

[@Musicgutbucket]

WOW! Amazing.