Sound! Euphonium (also known as Hibike!
Euphonium) is a 13-episode anime series that details the drama and development
behind Kitauji High School’s concert band.
There are plenty of characters, but the story focuses on freshman Kumiko
Oumae. She has been playing the
euphonium for seven years; however, she’s not necessarily masterful of playing
the instrument nor dedicated to it. But
through the progress of the story, she gains new realizations and perspective
on what it really means to belong and compete in a concert band.
At the start of the story, the
Kitauji concert band is in subpar condition and has a lot of issues, much the
dismay of Kumiko and the other freshmen members. Some senior members – particularly the
officers – have their hearts in the right places. However, the culture of the club is that of
laziness, apathy, and lack of focus.
Fortunately for the club, the new music teacher and club adviser, Noboru
Taki, knows what buttons to push in order to motivate the members into
improving themselves. Through his strict
but courteous and patient guidance, he pushes the Kitauji concert band into
aiming for the Nationals competition.
Sound! Euphonium doesn’t necessarily have a lot of originality to
offer. But despite its familiar themes
and tropes, it’s still pretty amiable. The
story gives a believable and engaging depiction of the emotions and conflicts
happening among members of a high school concert band as they struggle towards the
top. Moreover, its fine animation helps
keeping the storytelling appealing.
Having only 13 episodes makes Sound! Euphonium easy
to binge-watch. But, on the other hand,
the small amount of total episodes also means that development for both its plot
and its many characters is limited. In
fact, the prime fault I find in this anime is that, in my opinion, there wasn’t
enough time to properly flesh out its many characters – hence, I never grew
caring for any of its characters.
Another slight fault I find is that
the musical pieces featured are not that interesting. With the exception of Orpheus in the Underworld’s can-can sequence (which reminded me of
how awesome that piece is) in the first episode, I wasn’t particularly drawn to
any of the music (unlike with Kids on the Slope which made me immersed on its jazz music). Still, the musical details and choices are good. And I love how the music is beautifully synchronized
with well-done animation.
As for the romance – since that’s
to be expected from a high school story – well, it’s actually minimal. Some stuff on high school “puppy love” and
rejection have been touched upon, but it was pretty nigh irrelevant. It’s also worth noting that there’s some
seemingly Yuri tension (or I’m just being too malicious) between Kumiko and fellow freshman, Reina Kousaka.
Sound! Euphonium is not for everyone, but those who enjoy lovely anime
visuals, music, ensembles, and slice-of-life high school drama are sure to like
this. Personally, this anime series isn’t
something I’m particularly excited about, but it’s charming enough to warrant a
recommendation from me (whatever that’s worth).
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