Atarashii Prelude

Nodame Cantabile Special Lesson 1 – 2nd Night

Need season 2 nao!

We join Nodame, as she starts her first day as a student of the prestigious Conservatoire. Things don't go too well, as she, Frank and Tanya were almost late for class, and being a school for the elite, she finds out firsthand how difficult it can be, as she is unable to do an analysis of a score handed out to her, which everyone else accomplishes with ease. Meanwhile, Chiaki who was abducted by Oliver, one of Elise's goons is taking to a remote location where he is tortured and coaxed into signing a contract which binds him to the same agency Stresemann is under.

Speaking of the maestro, he pays Nodame a surprise visit, in his usual lecherous manner. The released Chiaki makes his way back home only to find out the former had shown up from Frank. He makes his way to a hostess club, where he informs a visibly upset Nodame that he will be joining Stresemann for a world tour for 3 months. Despite that, Nodame resumes her normal lessons at the music academy, where she meets the oboeist Kuroki and invites him over for tea.

More trouble ahead, as Yuko calls Nodame informing her that Chiaki has taken over Stresemann's role as lead conductor as he has suddenly taken ill. As Nodame looks up on the internet to confirm the matter, it turns out Chiaki was put in charge of a piano concerto, being paired with the renowned Son Rui, a talented 20 year old pianist from Shanghai, who is also a beauty to boot. This of course upsets Nodame as she wanted to be in her place, and so, she heads over to Frank's to learn more about her through watching her live performance on DVD. In order to keep up, Nodame plays the very same piece Son Rui did, but to no avail, as it was something that didn't suit her playing style, a fact mentioned by Charles Auclair, the judge of the competition Nodame participated in back in Japan, who turns out to be her tutor as well.

Stopping by at France for a short break, Chiaki drops by only to find a broken Nodame, who has not given up trying to imitate Son Rui. He points out that she had no reason to do so, but they end up arguing. Putting it aside for the time being, Chiaki prepares for his next tour with the maestro, as Nodame continues her lessons under her tutor. Seeing as how she looks uninspired, Auclair offers Nodame to play at a recital, a privilege only for his students. She is hesitant at first, but decides to go ahead with it after he questions her reason for playing the piano. She is put under temporary tutelage by Auclair's assistant, and this is where Nodame's inexperience with the more technical aspects are highlighted. Nevertheless, she is determined to master the piece she was given, as she prepares for her first formal appearance.

After completing his tour with Stresemann, Chiaki makes his way back to France, worried about Nodame as they had yet to reconcile. Unfortunately, Chiaki's worries turn out to be for naught, as he finds Kuroki and Nodame alone in his room. As though he was the leading lady of the show, he dashes out in jealousy and anger, with Nodame going after him to apologize. After an exchange of blows and taunts, they both make up in the most hilarious manner, in full view of passersby.

The day for Nodame's recital arrives, and after much hardship and effort, she manages to captivate the audience with her unique style, as she belts out two of Mozart's pieces with utmost finesse, earning her a standing ovation at the end. The gang comprising of Chiaki, Nodame, Frank, Tanya and Kuroki make their way to sponsor's chateau in the French outskirts. Here, for the very first time in their relationship, Chiaki embraces and kisses Nodame. The new year arrives, signaling the time for Chiaki's European debut. Needless to say, he enthralls the audience with his avant-garde performance, marking the end for this amazing 2 hour special.

Just as I hoped it will, the second part of of the Nodame Cantabile special delivered, with special emphasis on Nodame's coming of age, as she is know recognized by the public as a great performer. Seeing as how this concluded, I really wish they will be rolling out the 2nd season after this, which does seem likely as the manga is still being published AFAIK. Shin out.