Flashbacks are sometimes confusing
Hello Greatinbed,
I agree Phantom of the Opera is sometimes a little confusing due to the flashbacks. I believe I have figured it out but if I am wrong I'm sure someone will correct me.
At the beginning when the items are being auctioned at the now closed and rundown Opera Populaire, 2 people were bidding for the monkey musical box. The woman I believe was Madame Giry (who saved the Phantom and hid him in the opera house), as an old woman and the man was in fact the aging Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny.
The Vicomte won the music box and took it to the cemetery where he placed it on the grave of Christine who died at age 63. The name on the Headstone was Countess de Chagny. I can only assume that when Christine escaped from, or was released from the clutches of the Phantom, she married Raoul.
I like to believe Christine probably loved both the Phantom and the Vicomte but her love for Raoul was stronger especially because the Phantom was initially intending to kill Raoul, also Christine and Raoul had been childhood sweethearts.
Again I believe the significance of the ring and the rose at Christine's graveside was the Phantom letting Raoul know that he was still alive, still in love with Christine and had not forgotten her.
Yes, I agree with you the music was beautiful and haunting. My personal favourite is 'Masquerade'. Phantom is certainly my favourite soundtrack.
I hope this has helped.
Poseidon