Most of these themes, especially the romantic ones, contain undertones of sadness.

A love theme for Cosette and Marius also pops in every now and then. The score is thematically based (or so it would seem): Jean Valjean has a theme, as does his nemesis Javert. However, the beginning of Suite 4 ('The Barricades') does sound strikingly similar to the theme for the barricades from the musical. The score evoked the same emotions I felt while listening to the musical, without actually using any of those themes. In fact, at some points in the score I felt as though a transition to 'Empty Chairs At Empty Tables' was about to occur. It is difficult to imagine that Poledouris was not in some subtle way influenced by the musical 'Les Miserables'. Other times we are presented with soft harps, strings and guitars - overall very pleasing. Some moments are reminiscent of THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER and STARSHIP TROOPERS, with the dramatic chords and the flips from major to minor. Poledouris took the traditional approach to this score there is no synthesizer work at all (or at least that is noticeable). In his score to LES MISERABLES, composer Basil Poledouris makes good use of a full orchestra - he never has too many instruments playing at once, yet he provides a large-scale, epic feel to the music.

Les miserables full movie soundtrack