KIN’IRO no Corda, also known as La Corda D’Oro (which, in Italian, means “The Golden String”), was a role-playing visual novel and dating simulation game from Koei. It was later adapted into a shojo manga by Kure Yuki. The manga turned out to be very popular, and thus in October 2006, the anime La Corda D’Oro – Primo Passo was aired in Japan.
So, what exactly is La Corda D’Oro? At first glance, it seems to resemble Nodame Cantabile with music being their central theme. However, this is where the similarity ends.
Storyline:
For starters, the main character has zero interest in music – initially, anyway. Besides, Nodame (the protagonist in Nodame Cantabile) doesn’t have a musical fairy, does she?
In La Corda D’Oro, Seisou Academy divides its students into two groups: general education (read: normal) students who wear grey uniforms, and music students who wear cream blazers.
Our grey-uniformed heroine, Hino Kahoko, is late for class one day when she sees the school’s musical fairy Lili. Delighted that Kahoko can see him, the fairy gives the girl a magic violin which enables her to play any piece of music as long as she knows the song and has an emotional connection to the tune.
Musically-challenged Kahoko refuses the offer at first, but Lili pressures her to not only take the violin but to participate in a musical competition being held by the school! Reluctantly, Kahoko takes up the challenge.
Because only music students take part in the competition, imagine their surprise when a general education student enters it. Watch the show yourself to find out the competition results!
This being a shojo manga, the typically sweet, courteous, considerate but naive heroine is swarmed by a number of guys. Among them is Tsukumori Len, a surly character who is unhappy that people take his talent for granted just because his parents are very famous musicians. Through Kahoko, he slowly learns to enjoy playing music.
There is also Tsuchiura Ryutaro, who once played the piano but stopped after an unpleasant experience in a concert. The football player is eventually coaxed back by Kahoko. Like her, he is a general education student and is Len’s rival for Kahoko’s affections.
Then there is the tall, food-loving and trumpet-playing Hihara Kazuki (voiced by Masakazu Morita – Ichigo Kurosaki in Bleach – who visited Malaysia early this month). This overly friendly and outgoing chap also has a crush on Kahoko.
On the other hand is Yunoki Azuma, who used to play the piano but, due to an unwritten rule that dictates the youngest son cannot be better than his older brothers, is forced to turn to the flute. Outwardly kind and considerate, he is a mean and intimidating person.
Shimizu Keiichi, meanwhile, lives by this philosophy: sleep, wake up, play the cello, and repeat. True enough, Kahoko finds him fast asleep on the ground when she first meets him. He is also the youngest of the competitors.
Apart from Kahoko, Fuyuumi Shoko is the only other female in the competition. The first-year student is very shy and looks up to Kahoko as her role model.
Media:
Opening theme: Brand New Breeze by Kanon
Closing theme: Crescendo by Stella Quintet
My End Verdict:
An anime that brings classical music back in trend. Never fails to melt your heart with its heartwarming music sensation. Is sure to swell romance all over you. So don't miss it.
Rating: 4.5/5
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