Anime and music have long gone hand-in-hand, with even the biggest series like My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan defined by their unforgettable soundtracks, but great series about classical music can be harder to spot. Aside from the very popular series Your Lie in April, which is considered to be one of the greatest anime of all time, anime that celebrates classical music is rarely talked about enough.
Luckily, that doesn't mean there's any shortage. With recent series like Forest of Piano and Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life only adding to the list of high-quality anime series with a focus on the beauty of classical music, it's a good time to be a fan.
Your Lie In April (2014-2015)
Available On Hulu
Classical music is a fairly niche interest, so it takes something special for a series focused on it to become extremely popular. Luckily, Your Lie in April certainly had that special something. The show is centered on former piano prodigy Kousei Arima, who quit playing after becoming unable to hear the notes, and Kaori Miyazono, the mysterious violinist who reignites his interest in music.
An emotional romance that gives the viewer time to relish in fantastic musical performances of pieces like Saint-Saëns' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, it's a crowd-pleaser for classical music fans and drama lovers. When it comes to music anime, Your Lie in April is considered the peak.
Gauche the Cellist (1982)
Currently Unavailable To Stream
Though technically made before the establishment of Studio Ghibli in 1985, Gauche the Cellist is informally considered a ghibli movie, mostly thanks to the involvement of director Isao Takahata, and a highly underrated one at that. As the title implies, it's all about a professional cellist named Gauche.
Gauche has lost his touch for playing, however, and gets scolded by the conductor until he returns to his cottage to practice. There, a whole cast of animated animals helps him to change his ways and reminds him of the true meaning of music. Whilst the animation hasn't aged too well, the music and heart of Gauche the Cellist are timeless.
Forest Of Piano (2018-Present)
Available On Netflix
For anyone that loves great piano pieces and interesting drama with unique characters, Forest of Piano is a must-watch series. At the heart of the show is the relationship between Kai, who learned to play using an abandoned and supposedly cursed piano in the forest near his home, and Shuuhei, the son of a long line of prestigious pianists.
Underpinning their relationship is a love for music that is strongly conveyed to the audience throughout. Whilst the touching 2007 anime movie of the same name is also worth watching for classical piano lovers, the series allows far more time to sit back and appreciate the music.
ClassicaLoid (2016-2018)
Currently Unavailable To Stream
Whilst there's plenty of emotional anime out there focused on classical music, comedy is rarer and that's why ClassicaLoid might be just the show that some classical music fans are looking for. With the ridiculous premise that figures like Beethoven and Mozart have been resurrected and are looking to enjoy idiotic antics in the modern world, it's a chaotic show, to say the least.
Fans of classical music will either be excited to see their favorite composer as an over-the-top anime character or disappointed by the characterization that doesn't quite do them justice, but the show gives plenty of reasons to keep watching regardless. ClassicaLoid also features some fun arrangements, but it's a show that's far more about laughs than the music.
Sound! Euphonium (2015-2016)
Available On Crunchyroll
Whilst not strictly focused on classical pieces, Sound! Euphonium is more than worth a watch for anyone interested in classical music because of its inspirational tale of a high school band club aiming to compete at a national level. A character drama with plenty of memorable performances, it's a series with no shortage of fans.
Its premise might not be anything particularly memorable, but it's one that's made compelling by distinctive characters and the relatable situations that arise as the group tries to pull together towards a common goal. Kyoto Animation's typically beautiful art style is the perfect complement to good music.
La Corda D'Oro (2006-2009)
Currently Unavailable To Stream
Set in a prestigious high school where students are strictly divided into those that study music and General Studies students, La Corda d'Oro tells the story of a General Studies student called Kahoko Hino who is suddenly selected to compete in a schoolwide music contest.
Rather than back out, Kahoko decides to face the intimidating world of classical music competition head-on with the help of a benevolent fairy and the magical violin it gives her. La Corda d'Oro's humorous and romantic moments might not always hit the mark but the music is excellently chosen with tons of iconic pieces represented.
Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds Of Life (2019-Present)
Available On Hulu
For classical music fans interested in traditional Japanese musical instruments, Kono Oto Tomare! is one of the best musical anime in recent years. Its focus on the 'Koto' instrument gives it a unique selling point. Like the show, the delinquent protagonist Chika is a boy with hidden depths.
Despite his poor reputation, Chika wishes to honor his late Koto-maker father by learning to play, which leads to him joining the school band along with three of his friends. Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds Of Life's tale of the group's trials and tribulations as they aspire to qualify for a national competition isn't anything revolutionary, but the Koto performances form the heart of an endearing show.
Kids On The Slope (2012)
Currently Unavailable To Stream
Although it's more accurately described as a jazz-focused anime, Kids on the Slope will quickly make any classical music fans that watch realize why it's considered one of the best music anime ever made. Kaoru Nishimi is a high school student who excels as a classical pianist but is lonely and lacks friends.
What breaks him out of his shell is the help of local delinquent Sentarou Kawabuchi who encourages Kaoru to join him in after-school jazz sessions. In the process, he discovers the joy that music can bring, along with friendship and love, and it all takes place against the backdrop of a superb musical score. With Cowboy Bebop's Yoko Kanno arranging the music, that's no surprise either.
Piano: The Melody Of A Young Girl's Heart (2002-2003)
Currently Unavailable To Stream
As its name implies, Piano: The Melody Of A Young Girl's Heart is all about a young pianist named Miu whose talent at the piano is only diminished by the fact there doesn't seem to be any real emotion behind her playing. For that to change, she has to discover that melody within her heart.
Piano is slice-of-life anime in its purest form and those hoping for dramatic moments or twists would be disappointed by how the show dwells on mundane details. However, for those that simply want a laidback anime where classical music plays a major role, it might be the perfect show.
Nodame Cantabile (2007-2008)
Currently Unavailable To Stream
For a lovingly crafted tribute to classical music that also happens to be a fantastically executed romantic comedy, fans should look no further than Nodame Cantabile. The show is centered on perfectionist Shinichi Chiaki, whose dream to play the violin at an elite level in Europe is only hindered by his fear of flying, and directionless but spirited pianist Nodame.
Their clash in personalities is emphasized by their different approaches to playing music, but music is also what brings them together. It's no surprise that Nodame Cantabile goes all-out with its soundtrack to drive this home, pleasantly weaving pieces from composers like Bach and Chopin with original scoring from Suguru Matsutani.
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