If you haven’t caught Nodame Cantabile, you must watch it. If you loved Honey and Clover, you must watch Nodame Cantabile. If you loved sumomomo, you must watch it too. If you love classical and orchestra music, this is the anime for you.

If you haven’t guessed by now,the artwork is similar to that of Honey n Clover, with a large dash of Morita humour. Of course, one large chunk of the plot is made Nodame chasing Chiaki, just like Momoko from sumomomo.

Shinichi Chiaki is a gifted, if arrogant, student at the Momogaoka Music Academy. Although he has enrolled in piano classes, his real dream is to become a world-famous orchestra conductor. Unfortunately, an extremely traumatic event which occurred during his childhood has resulted in a fear of flying, destroying his chances of studying abroad under the wing of the renowned conductor, Sebastian Viera.

Chiaki’s attitude, as well as his frustration and disappointment with the state of his life, results in him keeping an arms-length relationship with his fellow students, and in conflicts with his instructors.

However, things begin to change for him when he meets fellow piano student Noda “Nodame” Megumi. She may be a slob, an airhead, and a slow learner, but there’s something about her piano playing that moves his heart. Perhaps even change it. ~Taken from Animenfo

I haven’t seen the Live action version, but I’m already loving this anime version. From what I’ve read, it seems that the live action version is more fast-paced, and the presentation is better done. (explained later)

Whatever little music background I have, I can’t tell the difference between good music and very good music. But the performances of the tunes in the anime seem authentic enough to me. There have also been comments that the performances are quite true to the plot of the anime. (In other words, whenever the teacher criticises the student, the audio sound does contain all those same mistakes. And when the pieces require a certain mood, the music portrays it as well) Lots of famous classical music, if you are into that sort of thing.

There’s only one thing I don’t like. A lot of the scenes are not animated, but rather stills are used. More excessively than normal. It’s almost as though all the money went into the music, and nothing left for the animation. Or maybe they spent all the money on episode 11, where they animated an orchestra playing an entire movement. (which was very well done I must say, and very accurate with good techniques) But the rest of the time, be prepared for lots and lots of stills. This is one area which of course Live action does a lot better. (it’s not hard to film someone playing, it’s hard to animate it)

Oh, and I’m absolutely loving Nodame. And her seiyuu Ayako Kawasumi. I’ve never been attracted by her voice before. Her major roles include Aoi in Ai Yori Aoshi and Saber in Fate/Stay Night. Surprise surprise! All her roles are dramatically different, and I think she carries off Nodame very very well. I absolutely love the character.

Oh, the OP and ED are both very addictive songs too.

Opening Theme: “Allegro Cantabile Sound” by SUEMITSU & THE SUEMITH
Ending Theme 1: “Konna Chikaku de…” by Crystal Kay

Summary:

The anime’s up to episode 11 out of 23. It’s definitely one of my favorite anime series in recent times. Love it for the humour, music, and nodame.