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Dearly Beloved: Difference between revisions

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{{Game|KH1|FM1|COM|REC|KH2|FM2|358}}
{{Game|KH1|FM1|COM|REC|KH2|FM2|358|KHC|RCO|BBS|FMB|DDD|DHD|HD1|HD2|KHX|UCX|XBC|AFP|FCP|1P2|KH3|3RM|DR|MOM|ML}}
[[File:DBScreenshot.jpg|thumb|250px|Kingdom Hearts Opening Menu Screenshot]]
{{tab|o-info|360px}}
"'''Dearly Beloved'''" is the opening song to all ''[[Kingdom Hearts|Kingdom Hearts series]]'' games and is composed by [[wikipedia:Yoko Shimomura|Yoko Shimomura]]. "Dearly Beloved" is considered the main song of the Kingdom Hearts series and is loved by many fans solely for its ambiance and simplicity.
{{tab|KH}}
{{tab|o}}
{{tab|Dearly Beloved}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KH
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=1:13
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|Reprise}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KH
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -Reprise-
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=1:20
}}
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{{tab|KHCOM}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHCOM
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
}}
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{{tab|KHRECOM}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHRECOM
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=2:22
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHII}}
{{tab|o}}
{{tab|Dearly Beloved}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHII
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|orchestrator=Kaoru Wada
|length=2:22
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|Reprise}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHII
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -Reprise-
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|orchestrator=Kaoru Wada
|length=1:28
}}
{{tab|c}}{{tab|c}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHD}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHD
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimormua
|length=2:55
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHC}}
{{tab|o}}
{{tab|Demo}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHC
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|file=File:Dearly Beloved (Demo) KHC.ogg
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHC}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHC
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
}}
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{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHREC}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHREC
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=2:56
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHBBS}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHBBS
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|orchestrator=Kaoru Wada
|length=5:24
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KH3D}}
{{tab|o}}
{{tab|Dearly Beloved}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KH3D
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|orchestrator=Kaoru Wada
|length=2:43
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|Symphony of Sorcery}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KH3D
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|file=File:Dearly Beloved SoS KH3D.ogg
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
}}
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{{tab|c}}{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHHD1.5}}
{{tab|o}}
{{tab|KH}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHHD
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=1:13
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|Reprise}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHHD
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -Reprise-
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=1:19
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHD}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHHD
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days Version-
|file=File:Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS 358-2 Days Version- KHHD.ogg
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=2.54
}}
{{tab|c}}{{tab|c}}{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHχ}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHX
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -Unchained χ Version-
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=3:30
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHUχ}}
{{tab|o}}
{{tab|Dearly Beloved}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHUX
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -Union χ Version-
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=5:03
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|Reprise}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHUX
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -Reprise-
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|orchestrator=Natsumi Kameoka
|length=<!--No album release-->
}}
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{{tab|KHχBC}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHXBC
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -χ Back Cover Version-
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|orchestrator=Sachiko Miyano
|length=2:14
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHIII}}
{{tab|o}}
{{tab|Dearly Beloved}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHIII
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version-
|artist=Yoko Shimomura<br>Yui Morishita
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|orchestrator=Kaoru Wada
|length=3:30
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|Forest Memory}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHIII
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -Forest Memory-
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|orchestrator=Kaoru Wada
|length=3:04
}}
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{{tab|KHMOM}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHMOM
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -Swing Version-
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|orchestrator=Kaoru Wada
|length=2:57
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|KHML}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=KHML
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|artist=Tomomichi Takeoka
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|orchestrator=Tomomichi Takeoka
|length=<!--Not released on album yet-->
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|Piano Collections}}
{{tab|o}}
{{tab|Dearly Beloved}}
{{InfoTrack
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|game=Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts
|file=File:Dearly Beloved Piano Collections.ogg
|artist=Natsumi Kameoka
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|performer=Takehiko Yamada
|length=2:35
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|Concert Paraphrase}}
{{InfoTrack
|tracktitle=Concert Paraphrase on "Dearly Beloved"
|game=Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts
|file=File:Concert Paraphrase on Dearly Beloved Piano Collections.ogg
|artist=Natsumi Kameoka
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|performer=Takehiko Yamada
|length=4:06
}}
{{tab|c}}{{tab|c}}{{tab|c}}
{{tab|memória!}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=memória! ~ The Very Best of Yoko Shimomura
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|file=File:Dearly Beloved memória.ogg
|artist=Hiroyuki Nakayama
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=3:30
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|Tribute Album}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=Kingdom Hearts Tribute Album
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|file=File:Dearly Beloved Tribute Album.ogg
|artist=Suemitsu & The Suemith
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=3:11
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|First Breath}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=Kingdom Hearts Concert -First Breath-
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|file=File:Dearly Beloved First Breath.ogg
|artist=Kaoru Wada
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=4:41
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|World Tour}}
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{{tab|KINGDOM HEARTS II Ver.}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS II Ver.-
|file=File:Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS II Ver.- World Tour.ogg
|artist=Kaoru Wada
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=4:10
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|χ Back Cover Ver.}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved -χ Back Cover Ver.-
|artist=Kaoru Wada
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|norecord=true
}}
{{tab|c}}{{tab|c}}{{tab|c}}
{{tab|World of Tres}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres-
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved from KINGDOM HEARTS III
|file=File:Dearly Beloved from KINGDOM HEARTS III World of Tres.ogg
|artist=Kaoru Wada
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=2:34
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|Yoko Shimomura OFFICIAL}}
{{tab|o}}
{{tab|A piece of “Dearly Beloved”}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=Yoko Shimomura OFFICIAL YouTube Channel
|tracktitle=A piece of "Dearly Beloved"
|file=File:A piece of Dearly Beloved Yoko Shimomura OFFICIAL.ogg
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=1:54
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|2020 Xmas Ver.}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=Yoko Shimomura OFFICIAL YouTube Channel
|tracktitle=A piece of "Dearly Beloved" -2020 Xmas Ver.-
|file=File:A piece of Dearly Beloved -2020 Xmas Ver.- Yoko Shimomura OFFICIAL.ogg
|artist=Yoko Shimomura
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=1:39
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|c}}{{tab|c}}
{{tab|20th Anniversary}}
{{InfoTrack
|game=Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event
|tracktitle=Dearly Beloved
|file=File:Dearly Beloved 20th Anniversary Event.ogg
|artist=Tomomichi Takeoka
|composer=Yoko Shimomura
|length=
}}
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|c}}
"'''Dearly Beloved'''" is the opening and main theme of all games in the ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|series}}'' series. Composed for ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}'' by Yoko Shimomura, a version of the piece has been featured in every ''Kingdom Hearts'' release to date.


'''"Dearly Beloved -Reprise-"''' is a version of "Dearly Beloved" that plays after the credits during [[The End]].


For every opening arrangement up until ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'', the song was listed on the original soundtrack as "Dearly Beloved". The ''[[Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack|Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ [Cross] - Original Soundtrack]]'' and subsequent re-releases of earlier soundtracks include subtitles for each game's arrangement, such as "Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version-" and "Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep Version-".


It appears as soon as the game comes on and plays over the opening Menu Screen in a loop. However, if you continue to listen to "Dearly Beloved" without pressing any of the buttons on your controller for approximately 10-15 seconds, the screen will open up the ''Opening Menu Cinematic'', which will play the ''Kingdom Hearts'' theme song in an orchestral version. There is also a Reprise version that plays after the credits at the last screen in ''[[Kingdom Hearts (game)|Kingdom Hearts]]'' and over your Battle Report results in ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''. The theme "Friends in My Heart" is a variation of "Dearly Beloved".
{{TOClimit|3}}
{{-}}
==Story==
===''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''===
In their journey through the [[Sleeping Worlds]], [[Sora]] and [[Riku]] both encounter a younger version of [[Mickey]] in [[Symphony of Sorcery]]. The King is not yet able to control his magical power, causing great havoc with his spells. Both Sora and Riku are tasked with retrieving Sound Ideas in order to rid a musical book of darkness and return [[The Mysterious Tower|Yen Sid's tower]] to normal.
 
{{tab|o-right}}
{{tab|First Sound Idea}}
[[File:Dearly Beloved SoS (Riku) KH3D.ogg|center]]
{{tab|c}}
{{tab|Second Sound Idea}}
[[File:Dearly Beloved SoS (Sora) KH3D.ogg|center]]
{{tab|c}}{{tab|c}}
Ultimately, the Keyblade wielders return with the Sound Ideas. The first Sound Idea retrieved is a string harmony, while the second is the main piano melody of "Dearly Beloved".<ref>The first character to complete the world always retrieves the harmony.</ref> Mickey informs each wielder that one Sound Idea is not enough; having faith in each other, Sora's and Riku's Sound Ideas appear in the other's worlds. When combined, they create a powerful song that frees Mickey and restores the world, allowing Sora to confront the [[Nightmare]] within the musical book.
 
{{-}}
 
==Appearances==
[[File:Main Menu KH.png|thumb|250px|The opening menu of ''Kingdom Hearts''. "Dearly Beloved" plays while on this menu.]]
"Dearly Beloved" plays in the opening menu of every ''Kingdom Hearts'' game to date. Likewise, either "Dearly Beloved" or "Dearly Beloved -Reprise-" plays during the ending screen, The End. The song also appears in a few cutscenes.
 
===''Kingdom Hearts Re:coded''===
*"One Last Mystery"
 
===''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''===
*"[[Blank Points]]"
 
===''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''===
====Sora's Story====
*[[Symphony of Sorcery]]: "The Duet", "The Apprentice Practices"
 
====Riku's Story====
*Symphony of Sorcery: "The Duet"
*[[Mysterious Tower]]: "Into Sora's Slumber"
 
===''Kingdom Hearts Union χ''===
;Medals
*{{khux|HD Sora & Kairi (EX)|HD Sora & Kairi [EX]}}<ref>''Kingdom Hearts'' version</ref>
*{{khux|HD King Mickey}}<ref>''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' version</ref>
*{{khux|HD Ira (EX)|HD Ira [EX]}}<ref name="X">''Kingdom Hearts χ'' version</ref>
*{{khux|HD Invi (EX)|HD Invi [EX]}}<ref name="X" />
*{{khux|HD Aced (EX)|HD Aced [EX]}}<ref name="X" />
*{{khux|HD Gula (EX)|HD Gula [EX]}}<ref name="X" />
*{{khux|HD Ava (EX)|HD Ava [EX]}}<ref name="X" />
 
;Cutscenes
*[[Daybreak Town]] (Main Story): "The Power of Friendship", "To Other Worlds", "The Foretellers' Chamber", "One Last Wish", "Goodnight"
 
===''Kingdom Hearts III''===
*[[Secret Forest]]: "Talking on Paper"<ref>"Dearly Beloved -Forest Memory-"</ref>
 
===''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory''===
*"KINGDOM HEARTS II: Chapter 5"<ref>"Dearly Beloved -Reprise-" (''Kingdom Hearts II'' version)</ref>
 
==Composition==
"Dearly Beloved" contains two distinct melodies comprised out of identical chord structures, allowing them to be layered on top of each other. The second melody was introduced in "[[Always on My Mind]]" and was first incorporated into "Dearly Beloved" in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]''. Every game which chronologically occurs after ''Kingdom Hearts'' features this secondary melody in its "Dearly Beloved", while games which take place before Sora's adventure omit it. (''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', which occurs before ''Kingdom Hearts'' but heavily connects to Sora, incorporates a statement of "Always on My Mind" but does not feature the pattern in the melody of the arrangment.)<ref>'''''Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-''''', '''Yoko Shimomura''': "I've said this many times so I'm sure many of you already know this, but, in every 'Dearly Beloved' for titles after KHII, I incorporated the first part of the melody of the song played during the ending of the first title 'Always on My Mind', but not in the Birth by Sleep version. Yes, because that game was set further in the past than the first title. I was particular about that." (Translation by [https://www.kh13.com/news/30404-kh-10th-anniversary-soundtracks-website-updated-with-bbs-3 goldpanner].)</ref><ref>'''''Famitsu Interview''''' (2011-02-16), '''Yoko Shimomura''': "KHII's 'Dearly Beloved' has a melody that quotes the phrase used at the ending of the first KH work, and that melody is also used in 'Dearly Beloved' that plays in subsequent works in the series. However, since 'BbS' is a story that takes place before the first work, I tried not to use that melody. (Translated.)</ref>
 
===''Kingdom Hearts''===
<!--*The original version of "Dearly Beloved" was composed solely on the piano.
*The reprise of the original still contains the original melody, but this time combines piano and mallets. (commenting because I hear differently, will fix later)-->
In ''Kingdom Hearts'', the main melody is performed as a piano solo with a synthesized choral background. The original ''Kingdom Hearts'' included the sound of ocean waves behind the instrumentation, and while still present in-game, the background sounds were not carried over to the ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX]]'' album recording. This version is also used in the opening menu of ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX]]''.
 
"Dearly Beloved -Reprise-" features a bell solo with pizzicato strings as support.
 
===''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories''===
The ''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories'' version contains the original melody played on the {{w|celesta}}, along with the secondary melody played by a synthesizer. In ''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories]]'', the primary melody is moved to piano and secondary melody to celesta, and both versions include choral support. The arrangement is overall similar to the original "Dearly Beloved". While composing the track, the game's themes of connected memories and timelines inspired Shimomura's use of "Always on My Mind" and the piece's overall tone.<ref>'''''[https://www.square-enix-games.com/en_GB/news/yoko-shimomura-dearly-beloved KINGDOM HEARTS: Memories of Dearly Beloved with Yoko Shimomura]''''', '''Yoko Shimomura''': "From the title of the game, I used the imagery of connected memories as inspiration to use a chorus and celesta. I wanted to create a hazy, somewhat ephemeral feeling in this track."</ref><ref>'''''KINGDOM HEARTS: Memories of Dearly Beloved with Yoko Shimomura''''', '''Yoko Shimomura''': "It's a theme that would run through later instalments{{sic}}, but the story of Chain of Memoires{{sic}} was more about 'time' than the previous game. I included the melody from the ending and credits from KINGDOM HEARTS 1 as a nod to this idea of a mixed timeline."</ref>
 
===''Kingdom Hearts II''===
The ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'' version transformed "Dearly Beloved" into a full orchestral piece, featuring a piano solo carrying the main melody and various woodwind solos building the secondary melody.
 
"Dearly Beloved -Reprise-" once again contains both melodies, arranged for piano by Kaoru Wada. It is played as a simple piano solo.
 
===''Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days''===
In the ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]'' arrangement, a flute brings the secondary melody to the foreground, while a piano plays the original melody behind it with accompanying strings. The tone of this version is sad and wistful and invokes a sense of longing, a parallel to [[Roxas]]'s tragic story.<ref>'''''KINGDOM HEARTS: Memories of Dearly Beloved with Yoko Shimomura''''', '''Yoko Shimomura''': "I wanted the track to have a kind of nostalgia, a longing for home, and a slightly anxious feel to it, that you can’t quite put your finger on. It’s quite difficult to put into words."</ref>
 
===''Kingdom Hearts Re:coded''===
''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'' contains a slightly faster version of the original "Dearly Beloved" theme. It features both the first and second melodies with pizzicato string support. This arrangement has a lighthearted and playful tone, mirroring the tone of the game.<ref>'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded Ultimania]]''''', '''Yoko Shimomura''': "I incorporated a sparkling feeling and simplified it, thinning down the sadness." (Translation by [http://www.kh2.co.uk/kingdom-hearts-recoded/news/kh-recoded-ultimania-interviews.php goldpanner])</ref>
 
===''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''===
The version introduced in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'' is also used in ''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]''. This is an orchestral arrangement of "Dearly Beloved". It still features a piano, as with the previous games, but it also includes a violin solo with some added original melody. This is the first arrangement to alter the chord structure of ''Dearly Beloved'', albeit briefly. It is an emotional arrangement, with both melancholy and vigor, reflecting the tone of the game.<ref>'''''KINGDOM HEARTS: Memories of Dearly Beloved with Yoko Shimomura''''', '''Yoko Shimomura''': "Compared to the original version, 'the past' was the main theme for this particular arrangement. I also thought about the strong bonds between the three main characters, and their tragic destiny. No matter how hard you wish for something, you can't always make it come true. Being swallowed up by an unavoidable destiny, but still wanting to keep your heart, never wanting to give up... I used the sorrowful violin in the middle of the track and the lively piano at the end to portray these themes and emotions."</ref>
 
===''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''===
The ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' version of "Dearly Beloved" was arranged by Yoko Shimomura, as with the other games, while the performance was orchestrated and conducted by Kaoru Wada. It retains the original theme with pianos, violins, glockenspiel, and plucked violins. The melody is then passed to flute, followed by a colorful waltz-like part which includes a tambourine and quick clarinet ornaments. Unlike other versions, it also switches between a 4/4 and 3/4 time signature – a reference to the "3D" in the title, according to Yoko Shimomura.
 
In Symphony of Sorcery, the version of "Dearly Beloved" formed by Sora's and Riku's Sound Ideas is far simpler. It only features the main melody, played on piano, and a simple string backing. This arrangement is inspired by the original "Dearly Beloved" from ''Kingdom Hearts'', with the string part imitating the original's synthesized choral harmony.
 
===''Kingdom Hearts χ''===
The ''[[Kingdom Hearts χ]]'' arrangement begins with a unique piano section over a soft choir; here, notes of the primary melody play at half the regular frequency. It then transitions into a light and upbeat section prominently featuring mallet instruments, with support provided by strings. This arrangement is the first arrangement to not incorporate the secondary melody since its introduction in ''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories''.
 
===''Kingdom Hearts Union χ''===
The version used in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Union χ]]'' version is also used in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Dark Road]]''. This arrangement is characterized by heavy usage of strings: the main melody is plucked, while the secondary melody and a steady  background section are bowed. A new descending piano pattern also repeats throughout the arrangement.
 
The credits of ''Kingdom Hearts Union χ'' and ''Kingdom Hearts Dark Road'' feature a new version of "Dearly Beloved". It incorporates elements from the arrangements from ''Kingdom Hearts'', ''Kingdom Hearts χ'', ''Kingdom Hearts Union χ'', and ''Kingdom Hearts III'', as well as "Dearly Beloved -Forest Memory-". There are also compositional similarities to the ''Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover'' arrangement.
 
===''Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover''===
In ''[[Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover]]'', the piece begins with a low piano backed by strings. Bells and a clarinet are added as the piece crescendos, while still maintaining a somber tone throughout.


===''Kingdom Hearts III''===
The arrangement of "Dearly Beloved" in ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'' by Yoko Shimomura and Yui Morishita is a {{w|piano concerto}}. Tetsuya Nomura ordered it to be based on the ''{{w|Transcendental Études}}'', a series of twelve compositions for piano by {{w|Franz Liszt}}. The melody in the introduction of the piece is different from any of the arrangements prior until the moment it becomes its usual melody.<ref>'''''KINGDOM HEARTS: Memories of Dearly Beloved with Yoko Shimomura''''', '''Yoko Shimomura''': "In the introduction, I wanted to create a little bit of doubt, to make something seem a bit different and strange - then follow it up with the familiar refrain, to make the listener feel as though they've come home."</ref><ref>[http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1sqr3b2 KH3 Ultimania: Interview with Yoko Shimomura (Music)]</ref> While initially relaxed and calm, this arrangement gradually builds up to a triumphant ending.


"Dearly Beloved -Forest Memory-" is a version that appears in ''Kingdom Hearts III'' and is more prominently featured in ''[[Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind]]''. This version has the main melody on piano and the second melody on strings; the main distinguishing feature of this arrangement is the supporting flute ornaments. In addition, the arrangement subtly quotes the melodies of "{{c|Roxas|track}}"<!--Strings starting at 1:34-->, "{{c|Ventus|track}}", and "[[Musique pour la tristesse de Xion]]"<!--Piano starting at 2:00-->.


The original version of "Dearly Beloved" was composed solely on the piano; the ''Kingdom Hearts II'' version transformed it a full orchestral piece, even though the piano still remains dominant.
===''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory''===
''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory]]'' features an upbeat iteration of "Dearly Beloved" that retains the original theme played on piano and trumpets. This version takes influence from jazz.


===''Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link''===
Tomomichi Takeoka arranged and orchestrated the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link]]'' version of the track, marking the first time Yoko Shimomura did not arrange the title theme. Like the arrangements of the [[χ series]], it does not feature the secondary melody. The piece is upbeat with prominent vocals, stomps, and claps. New rhythmic patterns and melodic phrases are used throughout the piece, and the second half incorporates the swing rhythm of the ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory'' version.


===''Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts''===
The version of "Dearly Beloved" included in ''[[Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts]]'' is arranged by Natsumi Kameoka. This solo piano feature incorporates rhythms from the original ''Kingdom Hearts'' arrangement and shares similarities to the ''Kingdom Hearts II'' version of "Dearly Beloved -Reprise-". While initially simple, it gradually gets more complex as the piece progresses. Overall, it is a very calm arrangement. This version is also used in the opening menu of ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX]]'', and ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue]]''.


It has appeared in the other ''Kingdom Hearts'' games as well, including ''[[Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories]]'', which was a remix of Dearly Beloved which included slightly different note pitch changes, and another remixed version for ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''.
"Concert Paraphrase on 'Dearly Beloved'" is a piano solo, likewise arranged by Natsumi Kameoka. It takes far more liberties with the rhythms and melodies of "Dearly Beloved" while including complex piano runs and several original segments.


===''memória! ~ The Very Best of Yoko Shimomura''===
This version of "Dearly Beloved" was arranged by Yoko Shimomura and Hiroyuki Nakayama and performed as a piano duet. The introduction of this arrangement is based on "[[March Caprice for Piano and Orchestra]]". It is a very complex arrangement and features a brief change in time signature (from 4/4 to 3/4).


==
===''Kingdom Hearts Tribute Album''===
Audio Sample==
The arrangement featured in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Tribute Album]]'' was composed by {{nihongo|{{w|Suemitsu & the Suemith}}|スエミツ アンド ザ スエミス||headed by {{nihongo|Suemitsu Atsushi|末光篤}}}}. It is based on the original "Dearly Beloved" and only features the primary melody. The melody is played on piano, while the supporting instrumentation comprises of electronic percussion, synthesizer, and synthesized vocals (including the phrase "Dearly Beloved"), while the arrangement also contains a couple of bass drops. This cover could be described as {{w|Lo-fi}}.


===''Kingdom Hearts Concert -First Breath-''===
Arranged by Kaoru Wada, the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Concert -First Breath-]]'' version of "Dearly Beloved" builds upon the themes introduced in ''Kingdom Hearts II'', ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', and ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''. Piano, flute, clarinet, soft horns, strings, and bells carry the main portion of the piece, while tambourine and other percussion join in for the section in 3/4 time.


===''Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-''===
The first wave of ''[[Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-]]'' concerts in 2017 used an arrangement is based off the ''Kingdom Hearts II'' version, while the encore performances in 2018 played the ''Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover'' version, both arranged for orchestra by Kaoru Wada. These versions retain all major elements of their respective original compositions while adapting the pieces for a full orchestra.


{{Listen
===''Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres-''===
|filename=Dearly_Beloved_-ReCoM-.ogg
The ''[[Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres-]]'' performances used the ''Kingdom Hearts III'' arrangement of "Dearly Beloved", once again adapted for full orchestra by Kaoru Wada.
|songname=Dearly Beloved (Re:CoM)
|image=
|}}


===''Yoko Shimomura OFFICIAL'' YouTube Channel===
On June 13, 2020, Yoko Shimomura uploaded an original arrangement of "Dearly Beloved" to her official YouTube channel. Titled "A piece of 'Dearly Beloved'", it is arranged and performed by Shimomura on solo piano. This version incorporates elements of "{{c|Roxas|track}}" and "[[Musique pour la tristesse de Xion]]" in a major key. It is a calm and flowing piece.


On December 25th, 2020, Yoko Shimomura uploaded a special Christmas version of "Dearly Beloved", titled "A piece of 'Dearly Beloved' -2020 Xmas Ver.-", only available for a limited time.<ref>''[https://twitter.com/midiplex/status/1342473558287548420 「キングダム ハーツ」より A piece of "Dearly Beloved" Xmasバージョン'']</ref> The main piano line of this version stylistically similar to the previous arrangement on her channel, but the arrangement itself has many differences. It exclusively features the main melody of "Dearly Beloved", and its instrumentation adds a music box, bells, wind chimes, and a soft vocal backing, creating a very relaxed feeling.


{{Listen
===''Kingdom Hearts'' 20th Anniversary Event===
|filename=Dearly_Beloved_-Reprise-_-KH1-.ogg
The ''Kingdom Hearts'' 20th Anniversary Event featured a live orchestral performance of "Dearly Beloved", with instrumentation consisting exclusively of strings and piano. It is a lively arrangement based on the ''Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link'' version.
|songname=Dearly Beloved -Reprise- (KH1)
|image=
|}}


===Variations===
Several tracks center around the main melodic theme from "Dearly Beloved":
*"[[Friends in My Heart]]"
*"[[Always on My Mind]]"
*"[[Link to All]]"
*"{{c|Guardians of Light|track}}"


"Dearly Beloved" frequently appears in medleys that play during the credits of ''Kingdom Hearts'' games:
*"[[March Caprice for Piano and Orchestra]]"
*"[[Fantasia alla marcia for piano, chorus and orchestra]]"
*"[[Birth by Sleep -A Link to the Future-]]"
*"[[Dream Drop Distance -The Next Awakening-]]"
*"[[Rhapsody in Tres for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra]]"
*"[[March Caprice for 'Melody of Memory']]"


{{Listen
In addition, a number of other songs in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series contain the main melody from "Dearly Beloved":
|filename=Dearly_Beloved_-KH1-.ogg
*"{{c|End of the World|track}}"
|songname=Dearly Beloved (KH1)
*"[[Working Together]]"
|image=
*"[[Asteroid Attack]]"
|}}
*"[[A Fight to the Death]]"
*"[[Hand in Hand]]"<ref>Only in the ''Kingdom Hearts II'' version.</ref>
*"[[Vector to the Heavens]]"
*"[[Dearly Dreams]]"
*"{{c|Ventus|track}}"
*"[[The Key]]"
*"[[Mission Complete!]]"
*"[[Hero Upgrade]]"
*"[[Baymax Rebooted]]"
*"[[Rise of the Union]]"
*"[[Secrets of the Night]]"


==Other appearances==
===Official websites===
The original ''Kingdom Hearts'' version of "Dearly Beloved" plays as the background music for the ''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories'' page on the Square Enix website.<ref>[http://www.square-enix.co.jp/games/gba/khcom/ ''Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories'' Japanese website]</ref> The ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' and ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory'' arrangements of "Dearly Beloved" play as the background music for the ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' and ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory'' pages on the Square Enix website, respectively.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20181224145345/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom/3d/bgm/bgm.mp3 ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'' Japanese website BGM] (Archived)</ref><ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/kh_mom ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory'' Japanese website]</ref> The ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' version of "Dearly Beloved" plays as the background music for the ''Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue'' page on the Square Enix website.<ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/khhd_fcp/ ''Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue'' Japanese website]</ref>


The ''Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX'' recording of the original "Dearly Beloved" plays as the background music for the [[Memorial Stained Glass Clock]] and [[Memory Archive]] pages and is one of five selectable background tracks for the 20th Anniversary Archive page on the Square Enix website.<ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/stainedglass/ Memorial Stained Glass Clock Japanese website]</ref><ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/episode/ Memory Archive Japanese website]</ref><ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/20th/event/archive/ 20th Anniversary Archive Japanese website]</ref>


{{Listen
===''Kingdom Hearts'' Memorial Music Box===
|filename=Dearly_Beloved_-Reprise-_-KH2-.ogg
[[File:Dearly Beloved Memorial Music Box.ogg|thumb|''Kingdom Hearts Memorial Music Box'' arrangement of "Dearly Beloved".]]
|songname=Dearly Beloved -Reprise- (KH2)
The main menu of the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Memorial Music Box]]'' website plays the ''Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX'' recording of the original ''Kingdom Hearts'' version of "Dearly Beloved". The campaign also featured a giveaway of fifteen physical music boxes in commemoration of the ''Kingdom Hearts'' 15th Anniversary. These wooden music boxes played a simplistic arrangement of "Dearly Beloved".
|image=
|}}


===''Kingdom Hearts Magical AR Stage''===
''[[Kingdom Hearts Magical AR Stage]]'' features "Dearly Beloved -Swing Version-" as one of five stages in the AR video experience. The scene is the conclusion of the campaign, featuring a quick goodbye and an advertisement for ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory''.


===''Kingdom Hearts Concert -Second Breath-''===
[[File:Dearly Beloved Second Breath.ogg|thumb|''Kingdom Hearts Concert -Second Breath-'' music box arrangement.]]
A special reserved seat was available for 7,700 yen during the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Concert -Second Breath-]]'' live performances. Attendees who purchased the special seat were also given an exclusive music box that plays a very simple arrangement of "Dearly Beloved".


{{Listen
===''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''===
|filename=Dearly_Beloved_-KH2-.ogg
In ''{{Ssb|Super Smash Bros. Ultimate}}'', the ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory'' version of "Dearly Beloved," referred to as "'''Dearly Beloved -Swing Version-'''", appears as a {{ssb|List of SSBU Music (Kingdom Hearts series)|track}} available to players who also have a save file from ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory''. It is also heard during the ''{{ssb|Mr. Sakurai Presents}}'' video presentation on [[Sora]], where it is played while {{ssb|Masahiro Sakurai}} talk about this track as special bonus content for players with both Challenger Pack 11 and a save file of ''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory''.
|songname=Dearly Beloved (KH2)
|image=
|}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
[[Category: Songs]]
 
[[Category:Music]]
===Square Enix Music===
Square Enix Music compiled a playlist of various Valentine's Day themed music tracks from Square Enix franchises. The playlist, titled ''Square Enix Music -2021 Valentine's Day-'', was made available on digital streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music.<ref>[https://sqex.lnk.to/2021Valentine ''Square Enix Music -2021 Valentine's Day-'' link page]</ref> "Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version-" is included in the playlist alongside "[[True Love]]".
 
==Albums==
<gallery>
File:Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 2, Track 33 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts II Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts II Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts II Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts II Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 2, Track 38 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts II Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts II Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete
File:Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete Cover.png|Disc 2, Track 33 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete
File:Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete Cover.png|Disc 3, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete
File:Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete Cover.png|Disc 6, Track 16 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete
File:Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete Cover.png|Disc 7, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts Original Soundtrack Complete
File:Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and 358 2 Days Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep & 358/2 Days Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep & 358/2 Days Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and 358 2 Days Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 3, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep & 358/2 Days Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep & 358/2 Days Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep and 358 2 Days Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 3, Track 14 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep & 358/2 Days Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep & 358/2 Days Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts 3D Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 3, Track 4 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 3, Track 8 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 4, Track 17 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 3 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack|Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ [Cross] - Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 2, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack|Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ [Cross] - Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 8, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack|Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ [Cross] - Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 8, Track 5 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack|Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ [Cross] - Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack Cover.png|Disc 8, Track 14 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack|Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ [Cross] - Original Soundtrack]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ (Cross) - Original Soundtrack
File:Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory Special Disc Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory - Special Disc]]''
File:Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories- Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-
File:Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories- Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 12 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-
File:Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories- Cover.png|Disc 2, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-
File:Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories- Cover.png|Disc 2, Track 6 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-
File:Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories- Cover.png|Disc 2, Track 13 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-]]''|link=Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-
File:Kingdom Hearts Music Selection Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Music Selection]]''
File:Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Vinyl LP Box Cover.png|Disc 1, Side A, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Vinyl LP Box]]''
File:Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Vinyl LP Box Cover.png|Disc 2, Side A, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Vinyl LP Box]]''
File:Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Vinyl LP Box Cover.png|Disc 3, Side A, Track 3 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Vinyl LP Box]]''
File:Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts]]''|link=Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts
File:Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 12 in the ''[[Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts]]''|link=Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts
File:Memória! Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in ''{{w|List of Square Enix compilation albums|memória! ~ The Very Best of Yoko Shimomura}}''
File:Kingdom Hearts Tribute Album Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Tribute Album]]''
File:Kingdom Hearts Concert -First Breath- Album Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 2 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Concert -First Breath-]]''
File:Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour- Album Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-]]''
File:Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres- Album Cover.png|Disc 1, Track 1 in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres-]]''
</gallery>
 
==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}
 
{{Music}}
[[es:Dearly Beloved]]

Latest revision as of 17:24, 19 November 2024

Kingdom Hearts
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 1:13
Kingdom Hearts
Dearly Beloved -Reprise-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 1:20
Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 2:22
Kingdom Hearts II
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Kaoru Wada
Length 2:22
Kingdom Hearts II
Dearly Beloved -Reprise-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Kaoru Wada
Length 1:28
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimormua
Length 2:55
Kingdom Hearts coded
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Kingdom Hearts coded
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 2:56
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Kaoru Wada
Length 5:24
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Kaoru Wada
Length 2:43
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 1:13
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX
Dearly Beloved -Reprise-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 1:19
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX
Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days Version-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 2.54
Kingdom Hearts χ[chi]
Dearly Beloved -Unchained χ Version-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 3:30
Kingdom Hearts Union χ[Cross]
Dearly Beloved -Union χ Version-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 5:03
Kingdom Hearts Union χ[Cross]
Dearly Beloved -Reprise-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Natsumi Kameoka
Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover
Dearly Beloved -χ Back Cover Version-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Sachiko Miyano
Length 2:14
Kingdom Hearts III
Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Yui Morishita
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Kaoru Wada
Length 3:30
Kingdom Hearts III
Dearly Beloved -Forest Memory-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Kaoru Wada
Length 3:04
Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory
Dearly Beloved -Swing Version-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Kaoru Wada
Length 2:57
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Tomomichi Takeoka
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Orchestrator Tomomichi Takeoka
Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Natsumi Kameoka
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Performer Takehiko Yamada
Length 2:35
Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts
Concert Paraphrase on "Dearly Beloved"
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Natsumi Kameoka
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Performer Takehiko Yamada
Length 4:06
memória! ~ The Very Best of Yoko Shimomura
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Hiroyuki Nakayama
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 3:30
Kingdom Hearts Tribute Album
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Suemitsu & The Suemith
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 3:11
Kingdom Hearts Concert -First Breath-
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Kaoru Wada
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 4:41
Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-
Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS II Ver.-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Kaoru Wada
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 4:10
Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-
Dearly Beloved -χ Back Cover Ver.-
Theme Notes.png
No known recording of this track exists.
Arranger Kaoru Wada
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres-
Dearly Beloved from KINGDOM HEARTS III
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Kaoru Wada
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 2:34
Yoko Shimomura OFFICIAL YouTube Channel
A piece of "Dearly Beloved"
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 1:54
Yoko Shimomura OFFICIAL YouTube Channel
A piece of "Dearly Beloved" -2020 Xmas Ver.-
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Yoko Shimomura
Composer Yoko Shimomura
Length 1:39
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event
Dearly Beloved
Theme Notes.png
Arranger Tomomichi Takeoka
Composer Yoko Shimomura

"Dearly Beloved" is the opening and main theme of all games in the Kingdom Hearts series. Composed for Kingdom Hearts by Yoko Shimomura, a version of the piece has been featured in every Kingdom Hearts release to date.

"Dearly Beloved -Reprise-" is a version of "Dearly Beloved" that plays after the credits during The End.

For every opening arrangement up until Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, the song was listed on the original soundtrack as "Dearly Beloved". The Kingdom Hearts - III, II.8, Unchained χ & Union χ [Cross] - Original Soundtrack and subsequent re-releases of earlier soundtracks include subtitles for each game's arrangement, such as "Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version-" and "Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep Version-".

Story[edit]

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance[edit]

In their journey through the Sleeping Worlds, Sora and Riku both encounter a younger version of Mickey in Symphony of Sorcery. The King is not yet able to control his magical power, causing great havoc with his spells. Both Sora and Riku are tasked with retrieving Sound Ideas in order to rid a musical book of darkness and return Yen Sid's tower to normal.

Ultimately, the Keyblade wielders return with the Sound Ideas. The first Sound Idea retrieved is a string harmony, while the second is the main piano melody of "Dearly Beloved".[1] Mickey informs each wielder that one Sound Idea is not enough; having faith in each other, Sora's and Riku's Sound Ideas appear in the other's worlds. When combined, they create a powerful song that frees Mickey and restores the world, allowing Sora to confront the Nightmare within the musical book.

Appearances[edit]

The opening menu of Kingdom Hearts. "Dearly Beloved" plays while on this menu.

"Dearly Beloved" plays in the opening menu of every Kingdom Hearts game to date. Likewise, either "Dearly Beloved" or "Dearly Beloved -Reprise-" plays during the ending screen, The End. The song also appears in a few cutscenes.

Kingdom Hearts Re:coded[edit]

  • "One Last Mystery"

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep[edit]

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance[edit]

Sora's Story[edit]

Riku's Story[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Union χ[edit]

Medals
Cutscenes
  • Daybreak Town (Main Story): "The Power of Friendship", "To Other Worlds", "The Foretellers' Chamber", "One Last Wish", "Goodnight"

Kingdom Hearts III[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory[edit]

  • "KINGDOM HEARTS II: Chapter 5"[6]

Composition[edit]

"Dearly Beloved" contains two distinct melodies comprised out of identical chord structures, allowing them to be layered on top of each other. The second melody was introduced in "Always on My Mind" and was first incorporated into "Dearly Beloved" in Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories. Every game which chronologically occurs after Kingdom Hearts features this secondary melody in its "Dearly Beloved", while games which take place before Sora's adventure omit it. (Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, which occurs before Kingdom Hearts but heavily connects to Sora, incorporates a statement of "Always on My Mind" but does not feature the pattern in the melody of the arrangment.)[7][8]

Kingdom Hearts[edit]

In Kingdom Hearts, the main melody is performed as a piano solo with a synthesized choral background. The original Kingdom Hearts included the sound of ocean waves behind the instrumentation, and while still present in-game, the background sounds were not carried over to the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX album recording. This version is also used in the opening menu of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX.

"Dearly Beloved -Reprise-" features a bell solo with pizzicato strings as support.

Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories[edit]

The Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories version contains the original melody played on the celesta, along with the secondary melody played by a synthesizer. In Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, the primary melody is moved to piano and secondary melody to celesta, and both versions include choral support. The arrangement is overall similar to the original "Dearly Beloved". While composing the track, the game's themes of connected memories and timelines inspired Shimomura's use of "Always on My Mind" and the piece's overall tone.[9][10]

Kingdom Hearts II[edit]

The Kingdom Hearts II version transformed "Dearly Beloved" into a full orchestral piece, featuring a piano solo carrying the main melody and various woodwind solos building the secondary melody.

"Dearly Beloved -Reprise-" once again contains both melodies, arranged for piano by Kaoru Wada. It is played as a simple piano solo.

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days[edit]

In the Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days arrangement, a flute brings the secondary melody to the foreground, while a piano plays the original melody behind it with accompanying strings. The tone of this version is sad and wistful and invokes a sense of longing, a parallel to Roxas's tragic story.[11]

Kingdom Hearts Re:coded[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Re:coded contains a slightly faster version of the original "Dearly Beloved" theme. It features both the first and second melodies with pizzicato string support. This arrangement has a lighthearted and playful tone, mirroring the tone of the game.[12]

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep[edit]

The version introduced in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep is also used in Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-. This is an orchestral arrangement of "Dearly Beloved". It still features a piano, as with the previous games, but it also includes a violin solo with some added original melody. This is the first arrangement to alter the chord structure of Dearly Beloved, albeit briefly. It is an emotional arrangement, with both melancholy and vigor, reflecting the tone of the game.[13]

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance[edit]

The Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance version of "Dearly Beloved" was arranged by Yoko Shimomura, as with the other games, while the performance was orchestrated and conducted by Kaoru Wada. It retains the original theme with pianos, violins, glockenspiel, and plucked violins. The melody is then passed to flute, followed by a colorful waltz-like part which includes a tambourine and quick clarinet ornaments. Unlike other versions, it also switches between a 4/4 and 3/4 time signature – a reference to the "3D" in the title, according to Yoko Shimomura.

In Symphony of Sorcery, the version of "Dearly Beloved" formed by Sora's and Riku's Sound Ideas is far simpler. It only features the main melody, played on piano, and a simple string backing. This arrangement is inspired by the original "Dearly Beloved" from Kingdom Hearts, with the string part imitating the original's synthesized choral harmony.

Kingdom Hearts χ[edit]

The Kingdom Hearts χ arrangement begins with a unique piano section over a soft choir; here, notes of the primary melody play at half the regular frequency. It then transitions into a light and upbeat section prominently featuring mallet instruments, with support provided by strings. This arrangement is the first arrangement to not incorporate the secondary melody since its introduction in Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories.

Kingdom Hearts Union χ[edit]

The version used in Kingdom Hearts Union χ version is also used in Kingdom Hearts Dark Road. This arrangement is characterized by heavy usage of strings: the main melody is plucked, while the secondary melody and a steady background section are bowed. A new descending piano pattern also repeats throughout the arrangement.

The credits of Kingdom Hearts Union χ and Kingdom Hearts Dark Road feature a new version of "Dearly Beloved". It incorporates elements from the arrangements from Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts χ, Kingdom Hearts Union χ, and Kingdom Hearts III, as well as "Dearly Beloved -Forest Memory-". There are also compositional similarities to the Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover arrangement.

Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover[edit]

In Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover, the piece begins with a low piano backed by strings. Bells and a clarinet are added as the piece crescendos, while still maintaining a somber tone throughout.

Kingdom Hearts III[edit]

The arrangement of "Dearly Beloved" in Kingdom Hearts III by Yoko Shimomura and Yui Morishita is a piano concerto. Tetsuya Nomura ordered it to be based on the Transcendental Études, a series of twelve compositions for piano by Franz Liszt. The melody in the introduction of the piece is different from any of the arrangements prior until the moment it becomes its usual melody.[14][15] While initially relaxed and calm, this arrangement gradually builds up to a triumphant ending.

"Dearly Beloved -Forest Memory-" is a version that appears in Kingdom Hearts III and is more prominently featured in Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind. This version has the main melody on piano and the second melody on strings; the main distinguishing feature of this arrangement is the supporting flute ornaments. In addition, the arrangement subtly quotes the melodies of "Roxas", "Ventus", and "Musique pour la tristesse de Xion".

Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory features an upbeat iteration of "Dearly Beloved" that retains the original theme played on piano and trumpets. This version takes influence from jazz.

Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link[edit]

Tomomichi Takeoka arranged and orchestrated the Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link version of the track, marking the first time Yoko Shimomura did not arrange the title theme. Like the arrangements of the χ series, it does not feature the secondary melody. The piece is upbeat with prominent vocals, stomps, and claps. New rhythmic patterns and melodic phrases are used throughout the piece, and the second half incorporates the swing rhythm of the Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory version.

Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts[edit]

The version of "Dearly Beloved" included in Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts is arranged by Natsumi Kameoka. This solo piano feature incorporates rhythms from the original Kingdom Hearts arrangement and shares similarities to the Kingdom Hearts II version of "Dearly Beloved -Reprise-". While initially simple, it gradually gets more complex as the piece progresses. Overall, it is a very calm arrangement. This version is also used in the opening menu of Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue.

"Concert Paraphrase on 'Dearly Beloved'" is a piano solo, likewise arranged by Natsumi Kameoka. It takes far more liberties with the rhythms and melodies of "Dearly Beloved" while including complex piano runs and several original segments.

memória! ~ The Very Best of Yoko Shimomura[edit]

This version of "Dearly Beloved" was arranged by Yoko Shimomura and Hiroyuki Nakayama and performed as a piano duet. The introduction of this arrangement is based on "March Caprice for Piano and Orchestra". It is a very complex arrangement and features a brief change in time signature (from 4/4 to 3/4).

Kingdom Hearts Tribute Album[edit]

The arrangement featured in the Kingdom Hearts Tribute Album was composed by Suemitsu & the Suemith (スエミツ アンド ザ スエミス?, headed by Suemitsu Atsushi (末光篤?)). It is based on the original "Dearly Beloved" and only features the primary melody. The melody is played on piano, while the supporting instrumentation comprises of electronic percussion, synthesizer, and synthesized vocals (including the phrase "Dearly Beloved"), while the arrangement also contains a couple of bass drops. This cover could be described as Lo-fi.

Kingdom Hearts Concert -First Breath-[edit]

Arranged by Kaoru Wada, the Kingdom Hearts Concert -First Breath- version of "Dearly Beloved" builds upon the themes introduced in Kingdom Hearts II, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. Piano, flute, clarinet, soft horns, strings, and bells carry the main portion of the piece, while tambourine and other percussion join in for the section in 3/4 time.

Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-[edit]

The first wave of Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour- concerts in 2017 used an arrangement is based off the Kingdom Hearts II version, while the encore performances in 2018 played the Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover version, both arranged for orchestra by Kaoru Wada. These versions retain all major elements of their respective original compositions while adapting the pieces for a full orchestra.

Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres-[edit]

The Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres- performances used the Kingdom Hearts III arrangement of "Dearly Beloved", once again adapted for full orchestra by Kaoru Wada.

Yoko Shimomura OFFICIAL YouTube Channel[edit]

On June 13, 2020, Yoko Shimomura uploaded an original arrangement of "Dearly Beloved" to her official YouTube channel. Titled "A piece of 'Dearly Beloved'", it is arranged and performed by Shimomura on solo piano. This version incorporates elements of "Roxas" and "Musique pour la tristesse de Xion" in a major key. It is a calm and flowing piece.

On December 25th, 2020, Yoko Shimomura uploaded a special Christmas version of "Dearly Beloved", titled "A piece of 'Dearly Beloved' -2020 Xmas Ver.-", only available for a limited time.[16] The main piano line of this version stylistically similar to the previous arrangement on her channel, but the arrangement itself has many differences. It exclusively features the main melody of "Dearly Beloved", and its instrumentation adds a music box, bells, wind chimes, and a soft vocal backing, creating a very relaxed feeling.

Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event[edit]

The Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event featured a live orchestral performance of "Dearly Beloved", with instrumentation consisting exclusively of strings and piano. It is a lively arrangement based on the Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link version.

Variations[edit]

Several tracks center around the main melodic theme from "Dearly Beloved":

"Dearly Beloved" frequently appears in medleys that play during the credits of Kingdom Hearts games:

In addition, a number of other songs in the Kingdom Hearts series contain the main melody from "Dearly Beloved":

Other appearances[edit]

Official websites[edit]

The original Kingdom Hearts version of "Dearly Beloved" plays as the background music for the Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories page on the Square Enix website.[18] The Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance and Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory arrangements of "Dearly Beloved" play as the background music for the Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance and Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory pages on the Square Enix website, respectively.[19][20] The Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep version of "Dearly Beloved" plays as the background music for the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue page on the Square Enix website.[21]

The Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX recording of the original "Dearly Beloved" plays as the background music for the Memorial Stained Glass Clock and Memory Archive pages and is one of five selectable background tracks for the 20th Anniversary Archive page on the Square Enix website.[22][23][24]

Kingdom Hearts Memorial Music Box[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Memorial Music Box arrangement of "Dearly Beloved".

The main menu of the Kingdom Hearts Memorial Music Box website plays the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX recording of the original Kingdom Hearts version of "Dearly Beloved". The campaign also featured a giveaway of fifteen physical music boxes in commemoration of the Kingdom Hearts 15th Anniversary. These wooden music boxes played a simplistic arrangement of "Dearly Beloved".

Kingdom Hearts Magical AR Stage[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Magical AR Stage features "Dearly Beloved -Swing Version-" as one of five stages in the AR video experience. The scene is the conclusion of the campaign, featuring a quick goodbye and an advertisement for Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory.

Kingdom Hearts Concert -Second Breath-[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Concert -Second Breath- music box arrangement.

A special reserved seat was available for 7,700 yen during the Kingdom Hearts Concert -Second Breath- live performances. Attendees who purchased the special seat were also given an exclusive music box that plays a very simple arrangement of "Dearly Beloved".

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory version of "Dearly Beloved," referred to as "Dearly Beloved -Swing Version-", appears as a track available to players who also have a save file from Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory. It is also heard during the Mr. Sakurai Presents video presentation on Sora, where it is played while Masahiro Sakurai talk about this track as special bonus content for players with both Challenger Pack 11 and a save file of Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory.

Square Enix Music[edit]

Square Enix Music compiled a playlist of various Valentine's Day themed music tracks from Square Enix franchises. The playlist, titled Square Enix Music -2021 Valentine's Day-, was made available on digital streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music.[25] "Dearly Beloved -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version-" is included in the playlist alongside "True Love".

Albums[edit]

Notes and references[edit]

  1. ^ The first character to complete the world always retrieves the harmony.
  2. ^ Kingdom Hearts version
  3. ^ Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance version
  4. ^ a b c d e Kingdom Hearts χ version
  5. ^ "Dearly Beloved -Forest Memory-"
  6. ^ "Dearly Beloved -Reprise-" (Kingdom Hearts II version)
  7. ^ Kingdom Hearts 10th Anniversary Fan Selection -Melodies & Memories-, Yoko Shimomura: "I've said this many times so I'm sure many of you already know this, but, in every 'Dearly Beloved' for titles after KHII, I incorporated the first part of the melody of the song played during the ending of the first title 'Always on My Mind', but not in the Birth by Sleep version. Yes, because that game was set further in the past than the first title. I was particular about that." (Translation by goldpanner.)
  8. ^ Famitsu Interview (2011-02-16), Yoko Shimomura: "KHII's 'Dearly Beloved' has a melody that quotes the phrase used at the ending of the first KH work, and that melody is also used in 'Dearly Beloved' that plays in subsequent works in the series. However, since 'BbS' is a story that takes place before the first work, I tried not to use that melody. (Translated.)
  9. ^ KINGDOM HEARTS: Memories of Dearly Beloved with Yoko Shimomura, Yoko Shimomura: "From the title of the game, I used the imagery of connected memories as inspiration to use a chorus and celesta. I wanted to create a hazy, somewhat ephemeral feeling in this track."
  10. ^ KINGDOM HEARTS: Memories of Dearly Beloved with Yoko Shimomura, Yoko Shimomura: "It's a theme that would run through later instalments[sic], but the story of Chain of Memoires[sic] was more about 'time' than the previous game. I included the melody from the ending and credits from KINGDOM HEARTS 1 as a nod to this idea of a mixed timeline."
  11. ^ KINGDOM HEARTS: Memories of Dearly Beloved with Yoko Shimomura, Yoko Shimomura: "I wanted the track to have a kind of nostalgia, a longing for home, and a slightly anxious feel to it, that you can’t quite put your finger on. It’s quite difficult to put into words."
  12. ^ Kingdom Hearts Re:coded Ultimania, Yoko Shimomura: "I incorporated a sparkling feeling and simplified it, thinning down the sadness." (Translation by goldpanner)
  13. ^ KINGDOM HEARTS: Memories of Dearly Beloved with Yoko Shimomura, Yoko Shimomura: "Compared to the original version, 'the past' was the main theme for this particular arrangement. I also thought about the strong bonds between the three main characters, and their tragic destiny. No matter how hard you wish for something, you can't always make it come true. Being swallowed up by an unavoidable destiny, but still wanting to keep your heart, never wanting to give up... I used the sorrowful violin in the middle of the track and the lively piano at the end to portray these themes and emotions."
  14. ^ KINGDOM HEARTS: Memories of Dearly Beloved with Yoko Shimomura, Yoko Shimomura: "In the introduction, I wanted to create a little bit of doubt, to make something seem a bit different and strange - then follow it up with the familiar refrain, to make the listener feel as though they've come home."
  15. ^ KH3 Ultimania: Interview with Yoko Shimomura (Music)
  16. ^ 「キングダム ハーツ」より A piece of "Dearly Beloved" Xmasバージョン
  17. ^ Only in the Kingdom Hearts II version.
  18. ^ Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories Japanese website
  19. ^ Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Japanese website BGM (Archived)
  20. ^ Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory Japanese website
  21. ^ Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Japanese website
  22. ^ Memorial Stained Glass Clock Japanese website
  23. ^ Memory Archive Japanese website
  24. ^ 20th Anniversary Archive Japanese website
  25. ^ Square Enix Music -2021 Valentine's Day- link page
Music in the Kingdom Hearts series
Main themes
Dearly Beloved | Destati
Chikai | Don't Think Twice | Face My Fears | Hikari | Passion | Sanctuary | Simple and Clean
Hikari -PLANITb Remix- | Hikari -Ray of Hope MIX- | Passion -after the battle- | Passion -opening version- | Sanctuary -after the battle- | Sanctuary -opening version- | Simple and Clean -PLANITb Remix- | Simple and Clean -Ray Of Hope MIX-
Don't Think Twice -KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version- | Face My Fears -KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version- | Hikari -KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version- | Passion -KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version-
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts
A Day in Agrabah | A Piece of Peace | A Very Small Wish | A Walk in Andante | Always on My Mind | An Adventure in Atlantica | An Intense Situation | Arabian Dream | Beyond the Door | Blast Away! -Gummi Ship I- | Blast Away! -Gummi Ship II- | Blast Away! -Gummi Ship III- | Bounce-O-Rama | Bustin' Up on the Beach | Captain Hook's Pirate Ship | Deep Jungle | Destiny Islands | Destiny's Force | Dive into the Heart -Destati- | End of the World | Forze del Male | Fragments of Sorrow | Friends in My Heart | Go for It! | Guardando nel buio | HIKARI -KINGDOM HEARTS Instrumental Version- | Hand in Hand | Hand in Hand -Reprise- | Having a Wild Time | Hollow Bastion | Holy Bananas! | It Began with a Letter | Just an Itty Bitty Too Much | Kairi I | Kairi II | Kairi III | March Caprice for Piano and Orchestra | Merlin's Magical House | Mickey Mouse Club March | Miracle | Monstrous Monstro | Never Land Sky | Night of Fate | No Time to Think | Olympus Coliseum | Once Upon a Time | Oopsy-Daisy | Pirate's Gigue | Precious Stars in the Sky | Road to a Hero | Scherzo Di Notte | Shipmeisters' Humoresque | Shrouding Dark Cloud | Spooks of Halloween Town | Squirming Evil | Strange Whispers | The Deep End | The Heartless Has Come | This is Halloween | To Our Surprise | Traverse Town | Treasured Memories | Tricksy Clock | Turning the Key | Under the Sea | Villains of a Sort | Welcome to Wonderland | Where Is This? | Winnie the Pooh
A Night on Bald Mountain | One-Winged Angel (from FINAL FANTASY VII)
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
Another Side | Disappeared
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories
Castle Oblivion | Disquieting | Face It! | Forgotten Challenge | Graceful Assassin | Just Wondering | La Pace | Lazy Afternoons | Memories in Pieces | Naminé | Piccolo Resto | Revenge of Chaos | Scent of Silence | Scythe of Petals | Sinister Sundown | Struggle Away | The 13th Floor | The 13th Struggle | The Fight for my Friends | The Force in You | Thirteenth Discretion
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories
Dash-A-Long | Lord of the Castle | March-A-Long
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts II
A Fight to the Death | A New Day is Dawning | A Twinkle in the Sky | Adventures in the Savannah | Any Time Any Place | Apprehension | Arabian Daydream | Asteroid Attack | Battleship Bravery | Beauty and the Beast | Beneath the Ground | Blast Off! | Bounce-O-Rama (Speed Up Ver.) | Byte Bashing | Byte Striking | Cloudchasers | Courage | Crossing the Finish Line | Dance of the Daring | Dance to the Death | Darkness of the Unknown | Deep Drive | Desire for All That Is Lost | Fantasia alla marcia for piano, chorus and orchestra | Fields of Honor | Floating In Bliss | Gearing Up | Hazardous Highway | He's a Pirate | Hesitation | Isn't It Lovely? | Kairi | Laughter and Merriment | Let's Sing and Dance! | Magical Mystery | Missing You | Monochrome Dreams | Nights of the Cursed | Old Friends, Old Rivals | Organization XIII | Part of Your World | Reviving Hollow Bastion | Riku | Rowdy Rumble | Roxas | Sacred Moon | Savannah Pride | Shipmeisters' Shanty | Showdown at Hollow Bastion | Sinister Shadows | Sora | Space Paranoids | Sunset Horizons | Swim This Way | Tension Rising | The 13th Dilemma | The Afternoon Streets | The Corrupted | The Encounter | The Escapade | The Home of Dragons | The Underworld | The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers | Ursula's Revenge | Vim and Vigor | Waltz of the Damned | What Lies Beneath | Working Together
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
Cavern of Remembrance | Deep Anxiety | Fate of the Unknown | Happy Holidays! | Rage Awakened | The 13th Reflection | The Other Promise | What a Surprise?!
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
Another Side -Battle Ver.- | At Dusk, I Will Think of You... | Critical Drive | Crossing to Neverland | Fight and Away | Musique pour la tristesse de Xion | Mystic Moon | Results and Rewards | Secret of Neverland | Vector to the Heavens | Xemnus
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts coded
On the Debug!!
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
No More Bugs!! | No More Bugs!! -Bug Ver.- | Pretty Pretty Abilities | Wonder of Electron | Wonder of Electron -Bug Ver.-
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
A Date with Fate | Aqua | Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo | Big Race | Birth by Sleep -A Link to the Future- | Black Garden | Black Powder | Castle Escapade | Cheers for the Brave | Daydream upon Neverland | Dearly Dreams | Dessert ★ Paradise | Destiny's Union | Dice and Shine | Dismiss | Drops of Poison | Enter the Darkness | Enter the Void | Eternal Moments | Extreme Encounters | Fresh Fruits Balls | Future Masters | Go! Go! Rumble Racer | Hau'oli, Hau'oli | Hero or Heel? | Innocent Times | It's a Small World | Keyblade Graveyard Horizon | Mickey Mouse March | Mákaukau? | Neverland's Scherzo | Peaceful Hearts | Radiant Garden | Rage Awakened -The Origin- | Risky Romp | Shaded Truths | Tears of the Light | Terra | The Key | The Key of Darkness | The Key of Light | The Promised Beginning | The Rustling Forest | The Secret Whispers | The Silent Forest | The Tumbling | The Worlds | Unbreakable Chains | Unforgettable | Up Down Adventure | Ventus | Xehanort
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix
Dark Impetus | Forze dell'Oscurita | Hunter of the Dark | Master, Tell Me the Truth | Monstrous Monstro -Arena Ver.- | Night in the Dark Dream | Night of Tragedy
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
Access the Grid | All for One | Broken Reality | CALLING -KINGDOM MIX- | Deep Drop | Digital Domination | Distant from You... | Dream Drop Distance -The Next Awakening- | Dream Eaters | Dream Matchup | Ever After | Gigabyte Mantis | Hand to Hand | Ice-hot Lobster | Keyblade Cycle | L'Apprenti Sorcier | L'Eminenza Oscura I | L'Eminenza Oscura II | L'Impeto Oscuro | L'Oscurità dell'Ignoto | La Cloche | Le Sanctuaire | Link to All | Majestic Wings | My Heart's Descent | One for All | Prankster's Party | Ready to Rush | Rinzler Recompiled | SOMEDAY -KINGDOM MIX- | Sacred Distance | Storm Diver | Sweet Spirits♡ | Symphony No.6 "Pastoral" Op.68 | TWISTER -KINGDOM MIX- | The Dread of Night | The Dream | The Eye of Darkness | The Flick Finalist | The Fun Fair | The Nightmare | The Nutcracker Suite Op.71 | The World of Dream Drops | Traverse in Trance | UNTAMABLE | Victor's Pride | Wild Blue | Xehanort -The Early Years- | Xigbar
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts χ[chi]
Before the Daylight | Wake Up, World!
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts Union χ[Cross]
A Nameless Planet | Battle at the Big Bridge | Dancing Mad | Game Central Station | Hand in Hand -Union χ Version- | Hero's Duty Troopers | I'm Gonna Wreck It! | Mission Complete! | Pixel Hero | The Candy-Filled Kingdom | The Fastest Racer | TWISTER -UNION χ MIX- | Welcome to Niceland
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover
Master of Masters | Passing the Power | Scala ad Caelum | The Foretellers
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-
Aqua -Mirror Illusion- | Forest of Thorns | The World Within | Wave of Darkness I | Wave of Darkness II
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts III
8Bit Smasher -Link Version- | A Pirate's Adventure | A Pirate's Freedom | Afterimage | An Adventure in Atlantica -Link Version- | Anger Unchained | Aqua -Dark Dive- | AR -Augmented Rhythm- | Baymax Rebooted | Blast Off! -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | Bounce-O-Rama -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | Burning Ambition | Chains to Bonds | Critical Crossroad | Crossing the Finish Line -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | Dark Domination | Data Trace Complete | Dawn of Hope | Dive into the Heart -Destati- Third Inception | Dive into the Heart -Destati- Third Revival | Do You Want to Build a Snowman? | Dream Eaters -Link Version- | Dual Hearts | Edge of Existence | Engage! | Enter the Darkness -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | Epilogue | Eye of the Storm | First Flight | Flags of Fury | Flags of Fury -Leviathan Awakened- | Flantastic Fight | Flash Tracer | Forze Del Male -Dark Riku- | Forza Finale | Friendship's Union | Frozen Heart | Frozen Wonderland | Frozen Wonderland -Eternal Winter- | Go for It! -Into the Clouds- | Go! Go! Rumble Racer -Pudding Grand Prix- | Graveyard Labyrinth | Guardians of Light | Hand in Hand -Attraction Flow Version- | Happy Hair Day | Happy Hair Day -Into the Forest Deep- | Healing Incantation | Heart of Mystery | Hearts as One | Hearts of Courage | Hero Upgrade | Hero's Fanfare | Heroes' Gathering | Hikari -KINGDOM Tres Orchestra Instrumental Version- | It's a New Record! | Lanterns in the Sky | Let It Go | Little Lovely Moments | Lock, Load, and Blast! | Mákaukau? -Link Version- | Maximus's Matchup | Miracle on Ice | Miracle on Ice -Eternal Winter- | Monster Smash! | Monster Smash! -Code 72-16- | Monstropolis Now | Monstropolis Now -Code 72-16- | Mount Olympus | No Surrender! | Olympus Coliseum -The Shining Summit- | Organization XIII -Mark of Fate- | Replicas | Return of the Titans | Rhapsody in Tres for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra | Rise of the Union | Robot Overdrive | Rowdy Rumble -The Crazy Carriage- | Roxas's Return | Savannah Pride -Link Version- | Say Cheese! | Secrets of the Night | Shipmeisters' Shanty -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | Shrouding Dark Cloud -Gigas Blast- | Sky High Slider | Sky of Wonder | Skyward Striker | Sora -Orchestra of Toads- | Star Explorer | Stranded Beyond | Sunshine Dancer | Swingin' Free | Swingin' Free -Into the Forest Deep- | Teardrop of the Sun | Tension Rising -Angelic Amber- | Tension Rising -Reaper's Revenge- | The Afternoon Streets -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | The Coolest Contest | The Corrupted -Monstrous Monsters- | The Deep End -Rock Titan's Rage- | The Encounter -Metal Charge- | The Falling | The Little Chef | The Lost Princess | The Star Fortress | The Victorious | Thermosphere | THERMOSPHERE -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | Titanic Clash | Toy Box Jam | True Darkness | True Love | Unforgettable -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | VERUM REX | Winds of Fate | Winnie the Pooh -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | Working Together -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me) | You've Got a Friend in Me -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | Zero Hour -The Chase- | Zero Hour -The Rescue-
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind
Cavern of Remembrance -KINGDOM HEARTS III Version- | Dismiss -Terra-Xehanort- | Forze dell'Oscurita -Xehanort- | Key of the Brave | L'Eminenza Oscura I -Ansem- | L'Impeto Oscuro -Young Xehanort- | L'Oscurità dell'Ignoto -Xemnas- | Link to All -Lights of Destiny- | Lord of the Castle -Marluxia- | Nachtflügel | The 13th Dilemma -Saïx- | The 13th Dilemma -Xigbar- | The 13th Struggle -Larxene- | The 13th Struggle -Luxord- | Vector to the Heavens -Xion-
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory
A Whole New World | Circle Of Life | March Caprice for "Melody of Memory"
Music introduced in Kingdom Hearts IV
Reality in the Dark
Music introduced in albums
drammatica: The Very Best of Yoko Shimomura
The 13th Anthology | Twinkle Twinkle Holidays
Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts
1st Mov. : Sora - Allegro con brio | 2nd Mov. : Kairi - Andante sostenuto | 3rd Mov. : Riku - Scherzo e Intermezzo | Concert Paraphrase on "Dearly Beloved" | Finale : Working Together - Allegro vivace | Missing You ~ Naminé | The 13th Side
Piano Collections Kingdom Hearts Field & Battle
A Very Small Wish - Monstrous Monstro | Medley of Conflict | Scherzo Caprice on a Theme of Never Land | Wonderland's Surprises
Symphonic Fantasies
Encore: Final Boss Suite | Fantasy I: Kingdom Hearts
The World Ends With You -Crossover-
TWISTER -KINGDOM REMIX-
SQ SWING
Organization XIII ~ The 13th Struggle ~ Fragments of Sorrow ~ Dearly Beloved
Kingdom Hearts Tribute Album
A Piece of Peace ~ Under the Sea ~ Traverse Town | Bustin' Up on the Beach ~ Shrouding Dark Cloud ~ Guardando nel buio | Dearly Beloved ~ Hollow Bastion ~ Hand in Hand ~ Always on My Mind | Riku ~ Kairi ~ Sora
Kingdom Hearts Concert -First Breath-
Gearing Up ~ Shipmeisters' Shanty ~ Blast Off! | Journey of KINGDOM HEARTS | The Power of Darkness | The Unknown
Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-
Daybreak Town: The Heart of χ | Heroes and Heroines: Characters' Medley | Lazy Afternoons ~ At Dusk, I Will Think of You... | Let Darkness Assemble: Final Boss Battle Medley | The World of KINGDOM HEARTS | Threats of the Land: KINGDOM HEARTS Battle Medley | Toy Box Medley
Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres-
Diabolic Bash | Music from 358/2 Days | Music from Birth by Sleep | Music from Dream Drop Distance | Music from KINGDOM HEARTS | Music from KINGDOM HEARTS II | Music from Re: Chain of Memories | Music of Another Time | Overture to the Decisive Battle | Pretty Pretty Abilities from coded | Symphonic Suite: The Worlds of Tres
Kingdom Hearts Concert -Second Breath-
Happiest Medley of KINGDOM HEARTS | Heroes and Heroines: Characters' Medley -Second Breath Ver.- | Journey of the World of Tres | Scala ad Caelum~Edge of Existence
Unnamed music tracks
Kingdom Hearts V CAST | Kingdom Hearts III | Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory
Other games
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