Classical Music from “Nodame Cantabile” - Momogaoka Edition

Do you like classical music, everyone?

On my blog, I mainly introduce wind band music, but actually, I'm a huge fan of orchestral music. During my student days, I rarely listened to J-POP and mostly enjoyed orchestral pieces.

This time, I'd like to introduce the classical music and instruments featured in the manga "Nodame Cantabile," which I was absolutely obsessed with during my student days.
So, let's get started!

About Nodame Cantabile

"Nodame Cantabile" is a manga series by Tomoko Ninomiya that centers around classical music. It has also been adapted into a popular drama, anime, and movies. Even though years have passed since the series concluded, it continues to be beloved by many.

If you haven't seen "Nodame Cantabile" yet, I highly recommend starting with the anime or drama. While the manga is incredibly entertaining, experiencing the actual music adds a special touch. The movies are the final part of the story, so make sure to watch the drama first.

For those who have already seen the drama and movies, can we agree that the casting for "Nodame Cantabile" is simply perfect? Chiaki-sama's appearance is just... truly the best (←my vocabulary fails me). And of course, Juri Ueno, who plays Nodame, is adorable and beautiful, not to mention her incredible acting skills. Personally, I’m a fan of the Tanya (who appears from the Paris arc) × Kuroki (the oboist who calls Nodame "Kei-chan") couple.

That was a bit of a long preamble. Let's get into introducing the pieces!

01.Beethoven / Piano Sonata No. 8 "Pathétique" Second Movement

This piece is essential when introducing music from "Nodame Cantabile," as it marks the meeting between Nodame and Chiaki. Composed by Beethoven, it reflects the composer's state of mind as he struggled with a severe hearing disorder, a condition devastating for a musician. This piece conveys not only "sadness" but also a determination to overcome his illness and a fiery message of continuing to create music as a composer, even if he couldn't hear.

PLAYTECH / PDP300S-BK Piano Bench Set

02.Beethoven / Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24 "Spring" - First Movement

"Shining Youth's Joy and Lightning" - A Famous Quote? This memorable piece, often associated with Mine and Nodame's performance, was composed by Beethoven. The opening melody of the violin is probably familiar to many. In the manga, it’s humorously mentioned that Beethoven composed this piece while struggling with his ear disease but still enjoying the company of different women. Indeed, when you look at the structure of the music, it doesn't just seem to express a simple, tranquil "spring."

PLAYTECH / PVN344 Violin 4/4

03.Gershwin / Rhapsody in Blue

In the story, this song is played in a melodica version, but it is originally a piece for solo piano and orchestra composed by Gershwin. I also love this piece, and it is a memorable one that I performed many times during my student days (on trombone). This piece, which fuses classical and jazz, is captivating not only for the piano but also for the glissando solo played by the clarinet at the beginning and the trumpet and trombone solo parts. The melodica version played in the story is also a very cool arrangement, so be sure to listen to it. You can see Nodame's mongoose too.

PLAYTECH / PKH300BL Melodica

PLAYTECH / PTCL-200 Bb Clarinet

PLAYTECH / PTAS-300 Alto Saxophone

PLAYTECH / PTTR-200 Bb Trumpet with Clear Lacquer Finish

PLAYTECH / PTSL-301 Tenor Bass Trombone

04.Mozart / Oboe Concerto in C Major, K.314/285d - First Movement

This piece was performed at the first concert of the R☆S Orchestra by my favorite, Kuroki-kun. It is considered one of the most challenging pieces for oboists and is often featured in oboe competitions and orchestra auditions. Despite Kuroki-kun's typically dark image, this bright and cheerful piece by Mozart represents a dramatic transformation influenced by his love for Nodame, turning into a "pink Mozart." It's a perfect piece for showcasing the oboe's gentle and soft timbre.

PLAYTECH / PTOB-200 Oboe

In Conclusion

How was it? This time, I introduced classical pieces from the "Momogaoka Edition" of *Nodame Cantabile*. Look forward to the blog on the "Paris Edition" of *Nodame Cantabile*!