Alan Menken noted that "some songs complement the original composition of the film" while "others are very different from the film compositions and extend the musical spectrum", making a special mention of a song in Act II which was inspired by traditional Roma music. Translator Michael Kunze "campaign[ed] to allow Esmeralda to die at the end, as she does in the book. There was a feeling that the audience would be depressed if Esmeralda dies.
Alan Menken observed that "some songs harmonize with the initial film composition" while "others are notably distinct from the film's musical arrangements and broaden the musical range", highlighting a song in Act II inspired by traditional Roma music. Translator Michael Kunze "strived to permit Esmeralda's death at the conclusion, as she does in the book. There was an inclination that the audience would feel depressed if Esmeralda perished.