Classical Music in Animation

Description
There are a myriad of animations around the world that use classical music. Sometimes to support the action and other times to be the focal point. Here are three that I wanted to touch upon. Join me, as we take a minute to get the scoop!

Fun Fact
Another Japanese anime to consider watching is Your Lie In April. It is about Kōsei Arima, a child prodigy who became famous after winning a major piano competition. However, he lost his ability to play following his mother’s passing. The story focuses on his friendship with Kaori Miyazono, who encourages Kōsei to return to the musical world and reignite his passion for playing.

About Steven
Steven is a Canadian composer living in Toronto. He creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the short-form genre—his muse being to offer the listener both the darker and more satiric shades of human existence. If you're interested, please check out his website for more.

A Note To Music Students et al.
All recordings and sheet music are available on my site. I encourage you to take a look and play through some. Give me a shout if you have any questions.

Got a topic? Pop me off an email at: TCMMPodcast@Gmail.com 

Transcript

I am always tickled pink when I watch an animation, especially Japanese anime where classical music is used.

In North America, there are a myriad of examples. For instance, SpongeBob SquarePants is known for drawing on classical repertoire from old to new including Johann Strauss‘ The Blue Danube. They also commissioned a work called the Suction Cup Symphony for an octopus who writes music for a symphony orchestra.

The Simpsons frequently uses classical music in a more satirical way. They’ve included Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony as well as a history lesson about Mozart and Salieri. 

Finally, one of my faves is the Japanese anime series, Nodame Cantabile. The series depicts the relationship between two aspiring classical musicians.

What is so wonderful about this series is the impressive performances in the soundtrack, how accurate the animation matches these performances and how this animation inspires and educates young people about classical music.