The magic behind Beauty and the Beast’s new music explained

Cape Town – While excitement grows for the much-anticipated live action remake of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, it has now been revealed that the film will feature three brand new songs.

Yes, not one, but three!

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly (EW), composer Alan Menken revealed that he has penned three brand new tracks for the remake, which is set to hit South African cinemas on 14 April 2017.

Oscar-winning Menken, 67, who wrote all the tracks for the original 1991 animation with the late Howard Ashman and lyricist Tim Rice, also scored the films The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Pocahontas. 

This is what Menken revealed about the 3 brand new songs:

1. Our Song Lives On

This song will be sung by Belle (Emma Watson) and her father Maurice (Kevin Kline).

According to Menken, this song will be sung by Belle’s father for the first time as he is completing a music box. He explains the meaning of the song with these questions: How does a moment live forever? How do you hang on to precious moments? The song is then reprised by Belle and will be featured over the end credits of the movie. Disney has promised a wonderful singer, which is yet to be announced, on the end credits song. 

2. For Evermore

This song will be sung by the Beast, played by Dan Stevens, at the moment when he realises he loves Belle. At this point in time the Beast sings about how he now knows what love is, according to Menken. He lets Belle go after her father who is in trouble and acknowledges that she is no longer a prisoner. 

3. Days in the Sun

This song will be sung by Belle and the rest of the cast. The song is at a moment when Belle and all of the objects in the castle go to sleep. Menken says that it’s basically all of them remembering what it was like when they had their time in the sun, a throwback to happier times.

Still not excited?

Watch the teaser trailer here:

And if you're a complete musical addict like us, these songs from the original soundtrack of the animated Beauty and the Beast will get you even more excited for the new film: