~La Corda D'oro Primo Passo~

My first ever anime addiction experience........falling in love with classical music once again

Last Sunday, Kelvin introduce me to a music-orientated anime none other than La Corda D'oro or Kin'iro no Corda . La Corda D'oro simply means in italian "The Golden Strings". I find this anime very addictive and i finished it within three days. Haha.

Plot

The story is basically about a girl named Hino Kahoko who is a general-ed student in Seisou Academy. In that school they also have music education whereby students are required to wear cream-coloured uniforms to distinguished from the general-ed students which wear gray uniforms.

One day, Hino Kahoko runs late for school and stumble upon a fairy named Lili. Lili[who always wanted someone to see her] was also shocked that Hino could see her. Lili is a mischievous musical fairy who was saved by the founder of the school (he could see Lili too) and because of that, Lili is constantly blesses the school with musical talent.

Lili was happy that she could see her and gives her a magical violin which enables anyone to play it using the "tune from his/her heart". In addition to that, Hino Kahoko was also "offered" a place in the school's annual musical competition or concours. Naturally, she rejects but is constantly pressured by Lili to join the concours. Finally she gives in and was amazed when she could play "Ave Maria" after listening to Len Tsukimori who plays the violin and is also a concour participant.

For the concours, they are four selections(or test) whereby the participants are required to play a song according to the theme given[4 themes in this case]. I like the plot because it shows the skills of a musician in a particular instruments such as the violin, piano, trumpet, clarinet and the flute.

As the story goes a long, Hino Kahoko has to face many problems and trials namely the "guilt" from playing the violin because she felt she's lying to many people out there; tricking them into thinking that she was a talented violin player. Romance was also cleverly inter-wined in the story seeing sparks of love between her and 7 guys/men namely, Len Tsukimori, Ryoutarou Tsuchiura, Kazuki Hihara, Azuma Yunoki, Keiichi Shimizu, Hiroto Kanazawa[yes, her teacher], Shinobu Osaki. Sad thing is, Hino couldn't made up her mind. Haha. I would love to see the romance between her and Kazuki Hirara or Ryoutarou Tsuchiura .

The story also shows the conflicts she had with her friends while also making new ones namely Fuyuumi who is also a paticipant in the concours.

Problems arised when she broke 3 of her magical golden strings of the violin during the 3rd selection because of her angry demanding tune of her heart instead of love for the violin.
This is where the name of the show comes into place.

Now she would either have to leave the concours[which she loves] or continue with it [and ppl would know she sucks :) ]. A bit of lo-so ness comes into the picture. Hino Kahoko becomes confuse with what she wants and what to do . Love of Hate the violin?

I won't tell the ending , watch it yourself. Haha.

As aforementioned, the story rotates around music. I find this show inspiring because it causes you to fall in love with music or start learning music. Many famous piano compositions name are announced in the show so now i can spend time learning them[as i donno the name before]. I am currently attempting "Revolutionary" or " Etude Op.10 12". Sigh , nowhere near the speed though but i shall strive for perfection. I strongly encouraged those who plays an instrument or have love for music or ANYONE to watch this anime. Its so good that it cause you to fall in love with classical. People should make more animes like this. I cried during the 25th episode because the music was really touching[really from the heart]

The Disappointments
1. I wanted to see more action
In my opinion, the loso-ness should be cut down a little and focus towards more music. I would have love to see them competing with other school in music or something.

2. Romance
The romance is a bit weird. I would have love to see at least forming the couple. Hihara was so close but sigh...too bad. Romance in this story is weird.

3. Music
I think there should be more violinist. The sounds from the violin of Len Tsukimori and Hino Kahoko is exactly the same[same violinist who plays the music]. You can't fool me. I have heard many violinist and never ever i have encountered violinist that plays exactly alike. That is why when you go into a concert, the violins sounds nice as a group but never one whole note or tune. Its can be liken to our voice, each of us sing differently but when we sing a note together its nice.
At some parts i think they even use a keyboard[the vibrato is too constant] . I would also have love to hear more music like duets, trios, sextet or something but of course not deviating from the main plot so that it won't lose its "kan-tung" feeling. Haha.

4. Short
The story is short. I want a 2nd season!

Characters

Taken from Wikipedia.

(日野 香穂子, Hino Kahoko)

Voiced by: Reiko Takagi

Violin by: Yuuki Nakajima

The protagonist. Kahoko has a slim figure, with scarlet hair and brown eyes. She is very friendly and is very honest. She is a second year at Seisou Academy and is in the General Education department. Hino never played or touched a violin in her life until she meets the strange fairy, Lili. Though at first reluctant about playing the violin, she soon becomes more in depth with her music. She is a polite and considerate girl who puts other's feelings before her own, though at times she can appear rather naive, especially in music. The boys involved in the concours have obvious crushes on her, though she cannot figure that out. She lives in an apartment with her mother and older sister. She confesses to have a craving for sweet things.

Lili (リリ, Riri)

Voiced by: Kaori Mizuhashi

The fairy that lives on the campus of Seisou and is the one who gives Kahoko the magical violin. Lili is the same fairy that promised the creator of the Academy that he will bless the school with music. He flies around the school waiting for people to notice him, and if they respond, he blesses them with a "magical" musical talent or whim.

Len Tsukimori (月森 蓮, Tsukimori Ren)

Voiced by: Kishou Taniyama

Violin by: Kouichirou Muroya

A surly, blue-haired, violin player who normally behaves contemptuously toward everyone. He was a child prodigy, coming from a family of musicians. His mother, Misa Hamai, is a very famous pianist and his father is a well-known violinist. Because of this, many people take his brilliance for granted. He seems very cold towards those that he comes into contact with, even his admirers, to whom he rarely pays attention to.

Before he met Hino he didn't think that music was enjoyable, though after spending time with her, he began to slowly enjoy music and his music changes because of her. He slowly warms up towards Hino and even gives her advice on how to hold and stand properly with the violin. People think that he acts harshly towards Hino, but deep down in his heart he is really concerned about her (though he may not show it). As the series progresses, he realizes his feelings for her. He's slowly affected by Hino and his mother says that he has changed his character. His mother knows that Hino is the one that affected him or changed his personality.

Ryoutarou Tsuchiura (土浦 梁太郎, Tsuchiura Ryōtarō)

Voiced by: Kentarou Itou and Ayumi Tsunematsu (young Tsuchiura)

Piano by: Masaru Okada

Another second year General Education department student, and Hino's friend. He and Kahoko met after he ran into her, nearly knocking her down a staircase, saving her in the nick of time. Their friendship eventually grows, and she even confesses she knew nothing of violin playing. He is a very gifted pianist but quit playing in public because of an unpleasant experience at a junior concert. Ryotaro is the star of the soccer team, being very skilled at the sport (and even outdoing some third years). After he helped Kahoko in the first round of the concours by being her accompanist, he, as well, joined the concours. He does not like Len Tsukimori, and they often get into many disagreements[towards the end, the hard feelings are not that bad]. His feelings for Hino gradually deepens as the series progresses.

Kazuki Hihara (火原 和樹, Hihara Kazuki)

Voiced by: Masakazu Morita

Trumpet by: Kazuki Abe

Hihara is an energetic third year at Seisou who plays the trumpet. He is tall and in shape (he runs every morning), and has green hair and eyes. He's aggressively friendly and outgoing and has little sense of social boundary. Hihara has an enormous appetite, as he is constantly eating (especially baked goods). He quickly befriends Kahoko. In the middle of the series, he starts to call Kahoko "Kaho-chan", instead of the usual "Hino-chan", this suggesting he has a rather obvious crush on the girl. He also admits to Azuma that he has a crush on Kahoko, saying "don't make fun of me" when asked. Basketball is one of his favorite sports.

Azuma Yunoki (柚木 梓馬, Yunoki Azuma)

Voiced by: Daisuke Kishio

Flute by: Shin Endou

A student in his third year, he appears to be a very considerate and kind, this helps to hide a meaner and more intimidating man. He is tall and smart, his hair a deep purple and longer than that of the female characters. He comes from a family of flower arranging. He also used to play the piano, but due to the law that the youngest son cannot be better that his brothers, he turned to the flute. The charming and considerate flautist "prince" of the harem, he has a worshipful trio of fans that hate any girl he shows any attention to, Kahoko in particular. He has strong feelings for Kahoko, but acts like he really hates her.

Keiichi Shimizu (志水 桂一, Shimizu Keiichi)

Voiced by: Jun Fukuyama

Cello by: Tomoki Tai

A blond 'bishounen' and also is the youngest male competitor, he plays the cello. He is very drowsy all the time and often seems confused. Shimizu can be found sleeping anywhere, anytime, so Kahoko first meets him lying on the ground fast asleep. His life seems to revolve around music (he tells Hino that he sleeps, wakes up, plays the cello, then repeats the process, other than eating and visiting the library), and he loves to play his instrument. He enjoys reading and studying music history and structures of instruments. In time, he becomes interested in Hino because of her carefree music.

Shouko Fuyuumi (冬海 笙子, Fuyūmi Shōko)

Voiced by: Akemi Satou

Clarinet by Tomoko Nishizaki

The other female competitor from the school, she plays the clarinet and is also shown to play a little piano from episode 26. Fuyuumi is a first year at Seisou, a small, slim girl with cyan hair and eyes. She is very hesitant and easily intimidated, and very shy. During the training camp, her vacation house was used, indicating she comes from a wealthy family. She looks up to Kahoko as a role model and wants to be like her.

Nami Amou (天羽 菜美, Amō Nami)

Voiced by: Yuki Masuda

A brunette female general education student in her second year. She is from the press club and is set to report on the contest. Most often she does crazy things just to get the "juiciest" articles. She befriends Kahoko and Fuyuumi.

Hiroto Kanazawa (金澤 紘人, Kanazawa Hiroto)

Voiced by: Hideo Ishikawa

Tenor Vocal by: Naoki Tokorodani

The lazy music teacher with greyish-lavender hair who is the head of the competition. He is always seen smoking, and sometimes when outdoors he is seen feeding his cat. He seems to know about Lili, but claims that he cannot see him. In the anime, his talent is singing.

Shinobu Osaki (王崎 信武, Ōsaki Shinobu)

Voiced by: Katsuyuki Konishi

Violin by: Kouichirou Muroya; Viola by: Yuri Matsumoto

He is a Seisou graduate, with reddish-orange hair and who is also in his 3rd year in a university currently and as a support teacher for the orchestral club. In the past when he was still in high school, he won first place in the competition. His reason for playing the violin is to make listeners happy. He has a gentle heart, and he was the one who cheered up Kahoko after she started questioning her abilities of relying on the magical violin compared to the music department's students hard work in episode 12. He also enjoys teaching young children to play the violin, and has even gotten some of the concour participants to help him with it

In conclusion, i really encourage everyone to watch this anime at crunchyroll[streaming] and search from La Corda D'oro. Each episode is about 25 minutes including the intro song and credits. I suggest not to skip the credits as at the ending Lili the fairy would come out and give a cute "One Point Classic" which are interesting facts about classical music heydays. All in all they are 25 episodes and an additional special episode[episode 26] which runs for 30 minutes plus. For those post-SPM students , this is a great anime. MUST WATCH! You won't regret it. At crunchyroll, the speed of loading is quite fast so don't worry.

Kelvin if you're reading this i want to burn the episodes after you finished downloading them. Hehe.

For the directors of this show, I WANT A SECOND SEASON!!!!!!!

I want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want !!!!!!!!!!

This shows how badly i am in love with this anime. Haha!

On another note, i am accepted for the KPLSPM(Kursus Perguruan Lepas SPM) overseas course and i am preparing for it. Not only that its harder than JPA interview. Sigh~