Corda d'Oro, Vol. 1

Description

Every few years, the Seisou Academy music competition offers students fame, fortune...and love? Every few years, the prestigious Seisou Academy holds a prominent musical competition, and only the very best students at the Academy are allowed to participate. Though all are eligible to apply, only students from the music department actually make it to the competition...until now. Kahoko is a normal student in the General Education department with absolutely no musical skill, but all that changes when she catches a glimpse of an elusive fairy who lives on campus. The fairy grants Kahoko a magic violin, and before she knows it, she's nominated to participate in the school's music competition with five very attractive boys. Will she win love and fame, or will bitter rivalry rule the day? Review: Is it still worth reading if you've seen the Anime? Most Definitely - My first experience with "La Corda D'Oro" was through the anime...and I thoroughly enjoyed it...so much so that I did purchase that collection. It wasn't until much later that I learned that there was a manga as well. I wasn't sure if it would be worth getting, though since I already saw the anime...but decided to take a chance...and it was worth it. [up to this point, I've read up through volume 13...and am anxiously waiting for volume 14...i'll update as necessary] Content notes: No fanservice, no real coarse language (or few enough that i can't even remember) PLOT (NO SPOILERS)" By now, you are probably familiar with the basic plot from both the product synopsis and other reviews. So we'll forego that. Instead, I'll just tell you what made it work for me. What made the manga work without getting boring was the fact that "it was different enough". What do I mean? The manga focuses on many of the things that the anime doesn't particularly focus on...and in fact, there are a few minor/major plot alterations (which work well for the manga). This is not a problem at all and is not a situation of "which is better". In fact, because of that, as a franchise, I was able to glean more during my reflections and find valuable chunks of wisdom (and entertainment). Simply put, the manga and anime have their own inherent value as each focuses on different aspects of music and life. There are also some expansions to events. In essence, though the anime was excellent...the manga does carry enough uniqueness to be excellent apart from the anime (or the other way around). In some ways, watching the anime doesn't fully prepare you to read the manga (and the reverse can be said, as well). Also, I especially enjoyed the detail put into characterization and character development...as well as a closer look into their personal issues and struggles (musically and otherwise). The pacing is also good. It doesn't go too fast, nor too slow...and the cliffhanger points are not annoying at all. I don't know how to explain it, but the cliffhanger points just "feel" awesome and accomplished. Also, the artwork is very good and detailed...though it is certainly following a more standard manga artwork style. ALL IN ALL: All in all, I am enjoying this series and hope to complete it soon. There's so many good lessons and ideas about musical perspective and musical practice...and how music can enrich lives in all stages of life. This is a very inspiring work for any musician or music teacher. Some may be turned off by the assumed "cheesiness" of a magic violin...but I can assure you that you would be missing out on such a touching and warm story. And besides that "cheesiness" isn't there. Some may be turned off by the assumption that this is a "reverse-harem" manga...but though it definitely carries some of the trappings...it's very much about the romance of the music. Go ahead, give it a shot...you may find that this little gem might shine for you, too. I ALSO SHOULD MENTION... At the end of the volumes, there are extras, such as production notes, bonus manga from the author that elaborate on the main story or are completely stand alone. And there are very helpful endnotes that summarize important cultural or historical points covered in the manga, but may not be as readily understood or recognized by non- Japanese or non-music/musician readers. Review: Love this book!!! - I watched a few episodes of the anime last year and remember really liking it, so I decided to buy this. I'm so glad I did!!!! It's such a sweet story, with all kinds of music pieces and instruments, and great characters! I can't wait to order the next volumes!! The only downside I would have to say is that it was too short :) not because I read it super fast, but there wasn't a lot of text, so you got through it faster. (and to be honest, the art isn't "incredible", but it's very good, and the effects and backgrounds were great) But overall I loved this book and would definitely continue the series!