Belle (Disney song) facts for kids

"Belle" is a famous song from Walt Disney Pictures' animated movie Beauty and the Beast, released in 1991. It was written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman. The song was first sung by Paige O'Hara, who voiced Belle, and Richard White, who voiced Gaston.

"Belle" is the very first song in the movie. It introduces us to the main character, Belle. She is a girl who loves books and feels different from everyone else in her village. The song also introduces Gaston, a self-centered hunter who wants to marry Belle, even though she keeps saying no.

Many film and music critics have praised "Belle." It has been compared to songs from famous musicals like West Side Story and The Sound of Music. In 1992, "Belle" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. However, it lost to the movie's title song, "Beauty and the Beast." The song is also a big part of the Broadway musical based on the film.

About the Song's Creation

How the Song Was Made

The writers, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, wanted to show Belle in her quiet village. They got ideas from old-fashioned operettas, which are like light operas.

"Belle" is very important because it introduces the two main characters: Belle and Gaston. Belle loves to read and dreams of exciting adventures, unlike her predictable village life. Gaston is a proud hunter who wants to marry her. In about five minutes, the song tells us a lot about both characters.

The song also shows what the villagers think. They think Belle is beautiful but odd because she loves books and doesn't fit in. On the other hand, they admire Gaston for his looks and strength.

Musical Style of "Belle"

"Belle" is an "idyllic" song with a full orchestra sound. It starts slowly with Belle singing about her morning. Then, other villagers join in as she sings "bonjour." The song then speeds up, becoming a lively tune.

Later, Belle sings a different melody, dreaming about a story she's reading. Gaston then sings the faster melody, joined by the Bimbettes, who admire him. Finally, almost everyone in the village sings together in a big, exciting ending.

"Belle" is known as an "I Want" song. This means it's where the main character expresses their hopes and dreams. The song is inspired by Broadway and musical theatre. It is played at a moderate speed. Paige O'Hara (Belle) sings with a soprano voice, and Richard White (Gaston) sings with a baritone voice. The song lasts for five minutes and nine seconds.

Awards and Influence

"Belle" was one of three songs from Beauty and the Beast nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1992. The other two were "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty and the Beast." The title song, "Beauty and the Beast," won the award. Disney focused more on promoting the title song for the award.

"Belle" is often seen as one of Disney's best but sometimes overlooked songs. In 2014, the New York Post called it a "musical-theater classic." The song was also parodied in the animated movie South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999) with its opening song, "Mountain Town."

Live Performances and Other Versions

Paige O'Hara first sang "Belle" live at the 64th Academy Awards ceremony in 1992. Even though producers wanted pop stars to perform, Disney insisted that the original singers perform the songs. O'Hara chose to sing live instead of lip-syncing. She also had to wear a costume like Belle's blue and white dress from the movie. She thought it was too fancy for Belle's simple style.

In 2011, O'Hara sang a shorter version of "Belle" at the Disney Legends awards. She combined it with "Beauty and the Beast" and "Be Our Guest" in a musical mix.

In the 2017 live-action movie, the song is performed by Emma Watson (as Belle), Luke Evans (as Gaston), and the other actors.