I've only just finished the first volume of this, and obviously there is a lot more to read, so this isn't the most complete review... am I going to buy the 20+ volumes of manga needed to keep up with it? Hmmm not sure. Possibly.
In any event, I'm really impressed with what I've read so far. I'd heard a lot of good things about this series, and it was one of those that sat around on my "to read at some indefinite point" pile for a while. The idea of it appealed to me both because it is a serious josei series (I loved "Tramps Like Us") and also because the subject matter is so relevant to me as a college student and pretty serious musician. "Nodame Cantabile" delivers on both fronts.
From the beginning, the main characters Nodame and Shinichi are portrayed in a realistic, warm way which made me feel for them. They remind me a little bit of Haruna and Yoh from "High School Debut". Their relationship is warm and honest, built on trust, respect, mutual desire to grow. I appreciate Shinichi's apparent coldness, and the desperate desire to succeed which lies beneath the surface of that. Just as much as I appreciate the free spirit within Nodame which makes her music shine.
As a manga about music- I find myself identifying much more with the young characters here than I ever have with "rock superstar" oriented mangas like "Nana". Some things are right on here- the incredible prodigy who's good at everything (piano, violin, etc), who makes you feel jealous, angry, inadequate, because they don't seem to work for it, while you work your ass off with little return, the feelings of anxiety and doubt which come with each small failure, which the seriously good and the not-yet-so-good experience alike. The regular questioning of one's own talent. "Am I really a good musician? If I practice, can I be? Is there a great artist inside of me?" -as well as the drudgery that is technical practice, versus the passion and soul which every performer wants to bring to their music. Being rewarded for your free, expressive playing, while at the same time struggling to tone it down so it is technically within reach... Being the "beginnings" of an artist. I liked Mine's attitude a lot- his electric violin, the attraction of other styles of music that are more free from the rigid classical structure, that are more accessable to a modern audience, maybe more fun. As someone who has played classical music for a long time, as well as jazz and rock, and loves all of it, I can say it can often be very confusing which way to go- which way to direct your energy and focus.
So, a lot is resonating with me so far.
Anyway, going to keep reading, I'm sure it will be worth it!
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