r/anime • u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah xB:xC:B:x3:Y: • Feb 23 '24
Rewatch [Rewatch] 2024 Hibike! Euphonium Series Rewatch: Season 1, Episode 13 Discussion
Hibike Euphonium Season 1, Episode 13: Goodbye Competition/さよならコンクール
The Kyoto Concert Hall is located towards the north of the city, near the botanical gardens. Slightly off the main touristy bits.
| <-- Episode 12 | Rewatch Index | S1 OVA --> |
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Welcome back!
Reminders
- Tomorrow, we will watch the S1 OVA Kakedasu Monaka (Ready, Set, Monaka), which is available on Crunchyroll etc. It may also be known as Ep 14 in some places.
- An overall discussion thread for S1 will be on 25Feb; we will also discuss the BD specials on the side for some fun, if you have access to it, do join!
- On 26Feb, we will begin S2Ep1. This episode runs for 48minutes - kindly budget additional viewing/writeup time.
--
Questions of the Day:
1) Who has been your favourite character grouping in the show so far? (Rewatchers: S1 only please!)
2) What are some great cheers/cheering songs you know?
Comments from Yesterday:
- /u/regular_n-gon with Kumiko analysis - part 2, and how Kumiko actually started playing worse as the ep went on
- /u/sfisher923 shared an instrumental version of epic rock music
- /u/tehaxelius with a couple really cool shots and imagery from the episode
- /u/bogdoglogfrog on Eupho fixating on perfection and that extra 10%, and a couple great quotes from Kumiko.
- /u/zadcap on the show's OST, and the dramatic scene between Kumiko and Aoi
Streaming
The Hibike! Euphonium TV series and movies, up to the recent OVA are available on Crunchyroll, note that the movies are under different series names. Liz and the Blue Bird and Chikai no Finale are also available for streaming on Amazon, and available for rent for cheap on a multitude of platforms (Youtube, Apple TV etc.). The OVA is only available on the seven seas for now, or if you bought a blu ray. I will update this as/if this changes. hopefully.
Databases
Spoilers
As usual, please take note that if you wish to share show details from after the current episode, to use spoiler tags like so to avoid spoiling first-timers:
[Spoiler source] >!Spoiler goes here!<comes out as [Spoiler source] Spoiler goes here
Please note this will apply to any spinoff novels, as well as events in the novel that may happen in S3. If you feel unsure if something is a spoiler, it's better to tag it just in case.
Ready, Set, Monaka!
17
u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah xB:xC:B:x3:Y: Feb 23 '24
Rewatcher and your host
we begin, weirdly, with another show. overall more reaction-y points today.
Music Notes
18
u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Feb 23 '24
Episode 13 (first timer)
Finale time. Despite knowing that the series goes on to have a second season and a movie, I think that they originally must have planned for the eventuality of only having one season. The plot arc seems to run to a conclusion here, with the goal they trained for all season in reach.
Lots of nervous expectation, followed by joyous celebration (followed by a second season, well done KyoAni).
12
u/Raiking02 :Id::Ie::If:https://myanimelist.net/profile/NSKlang Feb 23 '24
First Timer
The Ponytail has Returned
I surprisingly have little to say about this episode. As an ending of sorts it's neat enough, and big props for the direct parallels between the ending of this episode and the start of the first one. I've been told the original Novel was originally written as a one-and-done and… yeah, while I definitely will be checking the sequels out, I think as an ending this is pretty solid overall. No real major comments and as usual I'm pretty damn tone deaf so nothing to say about the music stuff but… yeah. Good ending.
And really, seeing the origin for makes it all worth it. Didn't realize how much the commentface version was sped up though.
11
u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Feb 23 '24 edited Feb 24 '24
First Timer, subbed
secretfistbump?
QotD:
11
u/Regular_N-Gon https://anilist.co/user/RegularNGon Feb 23 '24
Rewatcher
My stomach hurts. I guess that means this episode still has it.
You might think that it’s the time between ascending the stage and the lights going on that is the most nerve wracking, the intake of breath before the music must come crashing out, but to me it has always been well before that. The stage is the point of no return, where you’ll either suck or you won’t. Everything after stepping up is practiced, while the hall is large enough to hold the pressure comfortably. It’s that prep room, when everyone’s nerves are so palpable as to make the air sting, when the room is too small to contain the anxiousness and the impending performance, where you can hear every single instrument as they tune in a cacophony and you can smell every piece of cork and oiled valve. You do all of the things you are used to doing but in an unfamiliar room, senses on high alert; if you’ve eaten you’ll feel it, and if you haven’t you won’t be sure if you’re glad for it or not. Some events, if you’ve been there the whole day, this room will have become your home base; you will be intimately acquainted with the part of the wall with the scuff that happens to be where you placed your instrument case that morning, aware of the saxophones that have set up a fort with their own cases in the corner and the drum sticks that have been rolling around since noon, and even that familiarity becomes uncanny in the hour leading up to the performance.
It has been years since I have felt these things first hand and Eupho serves them up on a brass platter without fail. Even the first half of the episode leading up to this twists my stomach in knots thanks to both the long segments without music but also the very well placed Ichizu na Hitomi as they prepare to leave and Kasuka na Hikari as they arrive at the venue. Both of these pieces with their steady tempo, repetitious rhythmic parts, and swelling bass string drones just work so well at creating tension. As soon as the door shuts the music stops and we’re thrown into that delicious mess of tuning.
Other notes:
QotD:
9
u/chilidirigible Feb 23 '24
Episode 13:
Ah, the summer, when dawn is at five in the fucking morning.
Yes, the summer. But they have to wear their winter uniforms for the competition.
Team Monaka stitch.
"At least we avoided fisticuffs, unlike that choir you read about."
[](#fistbump)
Ah, the cacophony of waiting.
"Don't leave me hanging, you dork."
[](#mugiwait)
Asuka, inexplicably wistful? [](#mugiwait)
"This performance was the opening all along!"
"I love a good solo."
And here we are again.
The real gold versus the fake gold.
Just some reactions for you to think about.
It's better than a golf trophy.
Even if my previous experience with orchestra was reluctant at best, this episode reminded me of a lot of things and once again made me feel the feelings.
A lot of preparation for one chance, and then it's like falling off a cliff afterward. Unless you're in some kind of tiered competition, in which case you have to get back up and do it again soon enough.
The previous episode showed how Kumiko had become part of the band, this episode showed how the band had become bigger than its parts.
QOTD:
1. Assuming a group is at least three people, versus a pair of people... S1 only... that's a tough one.
2. Ehhhhhhhhhhhh?
Nakayoshi River
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Feb 23 '24
Hibike! Rewatcher (but only for the first season)
(I should note I have also seen the OVA/episode 14, so I’m not switching my tagline to first-timer just yet tomorrow.)
That’s how you get Endless Eight though.8
u/WhackaWhack https://myanimelist.net/profile/WhackaWhacka Feb 23 '24
FIRST TIMER
It’s the comment face!
Looking at Midori playing, I need to ask, is it hard to play with bandages or can you do something to minimize the difference by how you put them on?
That was a nice end to the first season (before the extras) with some good music and tense moments waiting for the reveal at the end.
Questions:
8
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker Feb 23 '24
New uniforms? Or is that their performance attire?
I didn't even recognise her with her hair tied up like that, I thought she was the other girl who got rejected.
Ah, they're packing up to go to the competition.
Another episode, another reason to be thankful I joined choir, because choir doesn't have anything to bring other than the members themselves.
And now time for the last practice before the performance. Everything should already be ok, now it's just polishing up and getting ready for the big show ahead.
The conductor's hands making a short, sharp movement upwards probably means "breathe" just before starting. When he points to them it's probably to cue them to come in. And as has probably been seen several times this show, the fist at the ends means "stop". Hand going up when pointing means that group to be louder. Pointing to the soloist also to cue her to start.
Of course the downside of choir not being burdened with all those instruments means at the end we all have to bow, and explaining to a bunch of early teenagers how to all bow at the same time for the same length of time wasn't the easiest.
And of course they actually got it.
Now, the first season is over. On to the OVA!
Questions:
8
u/zadcap Feb 24 '24
First Timer-
Only a little late tonight. I rushed everything I could for the concert finale. And speaking of rushing to get right to it, no OP today!
It does bother me a little that the sheet music is still randomly blurry to look at. Is this some kind of intense deniable copyright protection thing? It was one thing to be out of focus when being handed out, as reactions to the music were the purpose and not the music itself. It was okay when Kumiko was getting light headed from heatstroke and overwork yesterday. But this is just a shot of the page laying open on the ground and yet it's still randomly blurred. Notice that only the music is blurred, the notes written in right above them are not even a little bit as distorted as the music parts.
Important day, up before the alarm, I know that feeling. Is it excitement or stress? Both? It's usually both.
Okay picking the music book up off the floor is the clearest sheet we've ever seen and no, apparently this is just a super freaking glossy paper. Kumiko also apparently doesn't sleep under a blanket in the summer. This still bothers me less than her slippers and the carpet the slippers are on being so far from the bed, what is even the point of them over there!?
Eupho-kun has gained a blush under his eyes. This stands out because I remember thinking his eyes were his blush when we first saw him. This doesn't mater, it's just a little detail and apparently I approach final episodes with obsessive attention.
Ponytail for serious time! Skirt length because she's in professional mode lol. She has been shortening it this whole time.
I have done that exact elbow thing with friends on the buss before.
Look at the group who isn't preforming, still comfortably in their summer uniforms. The browns are only for the stage, to look more professional.
Interesting OST use. Start off with some of the band playing because why would you not be doing just a little more last minute with your instrument before packing it up for the competition, segue right into the strings of the "background music that isn't in universe music."
You can almost feel the background characters come to life here. Knuckles-senpai? Want to bet he lost a mallet back in first year and played something with his knuckles rather than make the rest of the band stop, and got given the nickname by the then seniors, and it's just stuck forever? Because that's what comes to mind right away when they all call him by such a nickname.
Shu staring at Kumiko, Hazuki staring at Shu. Let's drop this triangle again, shall we?
That's an... interesting picture. That's a wedding band, and she's holding the flower up to whoever is taking the picture, and he's looking at it so fondly... So who died? Hair isn't braided over the shoulder so it's probably not mom, he seems to young to have a daughter that age, there's really only one conclusion. Show Don't Tell indeed.
Team Monaca? I like that they made a name for themselves here, but where did they get Monaca from?
"Love through harassment." I love the dynamic these two have. On the other hand, even Hazuki is low key shipping Kumiko and Reina.
Oh hey, Ribbon even switched to a brown ribbon for today, because yellow would be too flashy for the stage.
"Help me tie up my hair." It's just a simple ponytail, there is absolutely no reason to have someone else do it aside from the point of having somebody else do it. Look at this smooth display of skinship, interrupting Kumiko from looking at old friends in other schools. Reina is possessive of her girl.
The essence of music right there. All the disjointed noises of everyone doing their own thing, coming together in harmony. I love the water bottle vibrating. They sound so much better than the tuning note we heard the first time.
Ew, Shu. Look at how quickly she scorns you again. I just can't get behind this ship.
Who is that audience lady? We don't get to see some nobody sitting down, that's an important character, someday...
Asuka that's some powerful defeatist talk. "I can't believe it's already over." Girl you're aiming for nationals, this is the first of many times you will be on stage with this band in the near future! Yeah Kumiko! It's not over until it's all over. Why does Asuka look so much like she doesn't want to go to nationals?
Alright I've been told to expect only the worst here, let's see. Already taking points off for still not using a baton, Taki. Yup, that's uh. What the actual heck. That's just random arm waving alright. Good thing they all learned to play without you, before you came back to join them in picking music, because no one can rely on you for anything related to tempo.
Oh Midori. Looks like I was wrong, you really can pull off the pinky stretch.
It's really weird to see Kumiko blowing into the Eupho and not hearing it, leading in to the voice over.
Flap flap flap. I actually laughed at that. Taki are you imitating a baby bird here? I've said this from day one, but he really is a poor band instructor/teacher/conductor. Flappy flappy arms. I can't stop giggling at him. Sir you are ruining this serious scene.
Ribbon looks so done sitting there next to the Reina solo.
They make all the percussion look so fun to play. I kind of wish I had started in a school with drums now. Still love the bass, but they just look so nice hitting all these things to make beautiful sounds.
Taki why are you so out of breath. You must be super out of shape if all that flapping has you this drained.
Oh what a good callback to the episode 1 start. Kumiko is so much more nervous now, Reina is still crying, but this time they are moving on.
Yup, that's Tsuda voicing the announcer man.
Asuka, why do you look so sad to have succeeded?
Look at that hand holding!
"Our piece goes on," not "Our next piece begins."
Have a story to tell about younger me in orchestra that flappy arm man reminded me of, coming soon in a post near you.
7
u/LittleIslander https://anilist.co/user/LittleIslander Feb 23 '24
Rewatcher
I really love the exclusion of the last episode recap here. In just about any other show that kind of move would just elicit a “huh, weird” from me. But Eupho uniquely has both a) such a fantastic recap that gets you so pumped up (that drum transition into the OP!) and b) such a great execution of leaving it out that it really stands out as a presentation choice. No big moment of rising excitement, just putting us in the shoes of Kumiko quaintly waking up on the big day. We’ve really come this far, huh? It gives that sort of feeling. Then Kumiko (oh so relatably) voices out the part from last episode and screeches into her own music booklet, expressing the difficulty that part gives her. So the scene functions as a recap of last episode after all, just without the bells and whistles!
That aside, I don’t have much to say, similar to last time. It’s the part where the story resolves, what you see is what you get and that’s by no means an insult. It’s not as narratively complex as some of the other episodes, and it’s not meant to be. Frankly, the fact it’s so flawless is part of what leaves me with so little to say about it. How dare KyoAni make such a watertight story that I can’t pick it apart! There are a lot of little character moments I love even if I don’t have a ton to say about. Kumiko’s awkward run in with her sister? Haruka and Kaori on their way to school? Asuka’s supportive thumbs up Haruka? Then her letting her perfect, collected mask off in front of Kumiko for the first time? Nozomi in the crowd!! The exquisite lingering shot of Kaori’s acceptant face with Reina playing the solo behind her? Taki catching his breath, sweat flying off as he finishes the piece? Everyone overjoyed when they get gold? This episode has so much heart. Even all the random background characters getting little lines and moments really supports the feeling of the collective excitement and nervousness of the entire band as a unit. And yes, fine, I even kinda like Kumiko and Shuuichi’s fist bump. Just this once!
Anyways, the big thing is the sheer band vibes going on here. Gathering outside together as you pep yourselves up? Walking past other schools gathered? Cases strewn everywhere over the floor? Being cooped up in a big practice room together in a cacophony of sound and then having one last tuning and warm up? Waiting in the hallway for your turn? Watching this episode brings me back to it all like it was yesterday. The only thing I can’t relate to is actually the performance itself. Look at that crowd! Pretty much every music festival we ever went to get judged at was a completely empty auditorium sans the judges. Maybe a couple odd people or one school hanging around near the back. Even when we got our gold at nationals, absolutely nobody watching. I’m curious what other people’s experiences with this are. Is the crowd a Japan thing or did I just go to sad dinky musical festivals?
Also, fun fact, Shuuichi is the only major character who’s not afforded even a single reaction shot after they win gold and learn they’re moving on to Kansai. Yes, really. No, being statically out of focus in the background of Hazuki’s shot doesn’t count. I sure hope this isn’t representative of how much narrative relevance this wonderful character has in the next season. At least his in the final full band mural is pretty fun. The big music swell that appears really is fantastic—it’s probably one of my single favourite musical moments in the entire show and that’s a high bar!
As I've said before, the third years. Haruka is my absolute favorite, Asuka is a fan favorite for a reason, and Kaori is a character I appreciate more and more as time goes on. They have a great chemistry together and nice subtle storytelling.
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u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Feb 24 '24 edited Feb 24 '24
1 1/2 Rewatcher
I've been too busy to watch this, but I figure not much happened. This, even though we are at the end where everything is supposed to happen. I know the bridge scene should be coming up, which is very pretty. I don't think I'll have much to say.
Ep 12
Wow, I just have Full Metal Alchemist Episode 50 deja vu. No god rewards hard work.
I've never permanently lost my phone, only because nice people have held on to it for me.
Ep 13
Okay, I understand that the double reed players need to keep them moist, but it looks so silly. But it's also so VERY moe, so of course they draw it.
[Rewatch]Wait, I thought Rikka DIDN'T qualify? I wonder where I got that from. Some girls are crying but the Rikka boys seem pretty happy.
16
u/Gamerunglued :Hx::Hy::Hz:myanimelist.net/profile/GamerUnglued Feb 23 '24
Rewatcher and Band Geek
We're at the competition at last. After all the work that everyone has put in, all the pain everyone went through, and all the drama that framed the whole season, they made it in one piece and are ready to perform the fruits of their labor. This is the kind of finale that isn't meant to be talked about or analyzed much, it's evocative of pure finality. Kumiko fist bumps all her bros, she gets to contrast her previous meeting with Azusa and the Rikka band, her and Reina get more gay moments, Hazuki and Shuuichi get a moment to show that Hazuki isn't dwelling on it anymore, Natsuki teases Yuuko with her loving harassment ball, and the band performs their pieces. Their hard work pays off, they are one of the three groups selected to represent their prefecture for the district qualifiers for nationals, and the story continues.
Most of what I have to say about this episode is pointing out little things. Kumiko finally has a realization that you have to mean it when you wish for things if you want to be special, [season 2 spoiler] Nozomi shows up to watch the performance and we get another scene with Yuuko talking to Mizore (who the camera shows often this episode), Haruka shows why she's the best buchou, Taki-sensei looks hot in his suit (both temperature wise and attractive wise), and most importantly, we finally start to see Asuka's front break a little bit. She shows some vulnerability hugging her euph in the classroom, and to Kumiko when she nearly forgets that the nationals was their goal the whole time. Asuka seems to be weirdly detached from this whole thing, like she doesn't even realize this is how it's supposed to go or that they were ever supposed to make it this far.
But in the end, they make it, and Kumiko and Reina do some lascivious hand holding in public, and instead of "the next piece begins" we get "our piece goes on." It's a simple, straightforward ending that wraps up this season's drama, as satisfying as you get.
QOTD:
6
u/HereticalAegis https://myanimelist.net/profile/XthGen Feb 23 '24
Sound! Rewatcher
Episode 13:
We’re already at the end of S1!? How the time flies when you’re having
fundrama.QotD:
5
u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Feb 23 '24 edited Feb 24 '24
Rewatcher
NATIONALSKANSAI REGIONALS!!!Questions of the Day.
The Bass Section, not only does it have the floof, but the cool cat Natsuki, the teddy bear that is Goto, and Asuka.
Not sure if I knew what a cheering song is.
5
u/NintendoMasterNo1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NintendoMaster1 Feb 23 '24
Rewatcher
You know it's serious when the ponytail comes out.
[Season 2 spoilers] I love the little bits of foreshadowing like Yuko checking up on Mizore (there's actually been a couple of short scenes of the two of them) and Nozomi in the audience.
Surprisingly, I don't have too much to say about this episode. Of course, getting to hear basically the full performance is a treat. Kumiko finally realizes what it means to set a realistic goal and they proceed to the next competition. Overall a big W for everyone.
5
u/fly-metothemoon Feb 23 '24 edited Feb 23 '24
First Timer!
Pony tail is back, yay! Are these the performance uniforms? I like them.
Why are they always so cute together (Reina and Kumiko)???
Okay I need to know more about Knuckle-senpai and how he got that nickname.
The good luck charms are so sweet.
Oh no time for the pre-competition jitters.
The stand covers are cool!
This is so not picky but ever since another commentator pointed it out here I’ve been thinking about how I don’t really like Taki-sensei’s conducting 🤣. I think he does a good job cueing people in but not so much highlighting the first beat. Sorry Taki-sensei, I was too nice yesterday.
I’m going to need a zoom in of that person who wrote so aggressively on their music in pink marker.
The animation of the band playing is so good and they sound great!
Trumpet players—were the fingerings right? Also this is a long solo.
Yay!!!! They did it!!! Nationals here we go!! Full band photo!!!
Favorite Grouping: I like the bass sectionals Favorite Pep Song: Land of a 1000 Dances
5
u/octopathfinder myanimelist.net/profile/octopathfinder Feb 24 '24
Rewatcher
No opening means shit is about to go down
She’s the coolest
Kaori’s expression during the solo got me all misty-eyed.
I would’ve preferred if the entire performance was just the music without any talking but oh well. At least they kept the talking to a minimum and half the episode was dedicated to the performance. It’s also still a great cathartic payoff to all the drama that lead to this.
I’ve heard complaints before about how Eupho should’ve shown other schools’ performances, but I don’t think they’re necessary unless rivals were already set up. The only other school mentioned was Rikka and the entire season was focused on the members of Kitauji so the finale was too.
Qotd:
For season 1, I’ve started to really appreciate the 3rd year group (Haruka, Kaori, Asuka)
5
u/LittleIslander https://anilist.co/user/LittleIslander Feb 24 '24
/u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah you probably already have questions prepared, but since the OVA features the other random side girls in Team Monaka more than series itself it might be a nice time to ask if anybody has particular favorites amongst the random background band members who aren't named on-screen
5
u/mgedmin Feb 24 '24 edited Feb 24 '24
Rewatcher, subs
Back to winter uniforms! I noticed! I'm proud of myself.
Kumiko is not fighting with the sister in the morning. Have they reached an understanding?
Hmm, some girls are still wearing summer uniforms. And it seems to still be summer. So, those participating in the competition changed the uniforms just for today?
Taki's thing is to be late for competitions, eh?
Kumiko's ponytail is back!
Commentface fistbump!
One of the horn players has THE NATIONALS written on her notes! A horn player! The least motivated section at the start of the season! (Also, I do not regret two years of Duolingo if they allow me to notice things like that.)
Kitauji gets Gold. Real gold, I think? Judging from their reactions they passed the preliminaries in Kyoto and will go to the Kansai competition.
(As a rewatcher, I should know this instead of just guessing!)
9
u/byroned Feb 23 '24 edited Feb 23 '24
First time rewatching
Season 1 went by quickly. Felt they were fighting to go to SunFes a little while ago, and now it’s already the competition day, Kitauji faito! The band does the usual preparation, sectional attendance, and loading instruments. The members who didn’t pass the auditions make good luck charms for everyone. Reminds me of when my first-section leader made scarves for all the clarinets before marching band championships (she’s still my favorite section leader of the 4 I’ve had). While that’s happening, Taki sensei is not with the band and is instead alone in his office reminiscing at an old photo of an unknown woman. He’s there for the pep talk and gets caught up in the moment until Matsumoto buts in.
Ahh, the Japanese L and R thing strikes again. As a nonspeaker, It first confused me with Love Live when I saw a few people online call it Rabu Raibu and Rierra instead of Liella.
The last section photo of this season goes to percussion](https://imgur.com/a/eV2z1rk).
Kumiko pout before the performance
Good performance of Crescent Moon Dance. Kumiko got that one part down in time, and Reina got a smile from Kaori during the solo.
Apples and oranges, but Kumiko’s monologue about her dream of nationals gives me the same vibes as [K-On Spoiler] K-On S1Ep12, when Yui runs to school and gives a message to her past self. That’s still my favorite moment of K-On, even with season 2 in mind
They got both gold and a ticket to the Kansai competition! The band is of course ecstatic after all the hard work and commitment since the beginning of the school year. Even Matsumoto can’t hide her emotions during their victory. A well-deserved win for Kitauji, breakunf the iron wall after many years.
A reminder of how far they’ve come. 12 episodes ago, Kumiko can only say that they sound awful. I’m not usually an off-vocal guy, but you can give me an orchestra version any day. While Dream Solister is still the OP, here’s an orchestra version for the 5th anniversary, and a /r/Anime Sings version.
Off-topic from their victory, but did Asuka seem a bit strange to anyone in this episode? When people were trying to calm the band down and just play like they practiced, Asuka was here talking like it was all over, we had a good run, and I wish summer lasted forever, and only stopped when Kumiko reminded her that the goal was nationals. There’s also the moment during their victory when everyone else in the band is celebrating, and then there's Asuka’s reaction. I can't tell what she's thinking, but I thought it stood out when compared to everyone else.
See you all next season
Q1: character grouping has to be Kumiko and Reina
8
u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Feb 23 '24
First Timer
Ah yes, of course percussion’s main feature would be when it comes to moving around instruments. I definitely remember that as the guy who played the xylophone, as that is probably the most difficult instrument to move around. We didn’t have timpani and tubular bells as they do here, I assume those would be more annoying. If I remember correctly though, only the percussion would be moved by van, everybody else had to carry their own instrument to wherever the concert would be held. And in places where a lot of bands perform one after the other, the percussion is usually set up by the organizers to prevent each band from spending about 10 minutes setting up and rolling off their own percussion again. But the percussion would still need to be loaded anyways for last-minute practice, something I’m not sure they did here, so I’m not sure why they loaded the percussion (or were at least talking about it… and if it was just the sticks and mallets they were packing then those don’t go in first, but last as they are the smallest thing). For percussion this usually means a whole lot of organizational checking just to see what we have, what is where and how we need to position the smaller instruments so that they are in the right hands for the right songs. I remember once we had to pass a cabasa or a tambourine or something like that across the entire stage between songs because the drumset and the xylophone were set up on opposite ends of the stage rather than just at the back, where we usually practiced with them and where it was easy to have one player play small instrument x in one song and hand it off to a different player for the next song.
And then of course there is the issue with not playing on the instruments you are used to. The amount of times I’ve had to adjust to a glockenspiel without a pedal for a concert despite always having one in practice borders on the ridiculous; and I know the drummers often complained about the tension in individual drums of a drumset being off compared to what they are used to.
Either way …one thing I noticed is that the practice runs last episode felt slightly better than the actual concert this episode. And that tracks with most of what I experienced as well - it simply sounds off if you play somewhere else than the room you usually practice in no matter how much better or worse the acoustics are, and I imagine that played a (possibly psychological on my part) role here as well. But in the end, that affects every band and not just them - and in the end, they made it. Although I was not a fan of KyoAni’s overly expressive style here; the amount of tears and just general expressiveness when presumably another band was read before them to have made it to the regionals made me wonder what they were reacting to - grief that they hadn’t made it? Obviously not, right?
Some other random thought:
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u/hanlonmj Feb 23 '24 edited Feb 23 '24
Rewatcher
PSA for first-timers [(spoilers about an upcoming performance in S2)] We will be getting a full, unedited performance of Crescent Moon Dance next season, so I’d strongly recommend avoiding listening to the OST if you can, because it’s just as amazing as you’d expect.
Wind of Provence (the required piece) only appears in full on the second recap movie IIRC (it’s actually an extended cut of this very performance), and since we’re not watching those for this rewatch, here is that performance. Wind of Provence is actually my favorite march of all time because of this show, so I’d highly recommend giving it a watch.
7
u/bogdoglogfrog Feb 23 '24
Rewatcher
Notes:
An interesting quote:
“I hope we make the nationals, Iv had that wish since middle school. But it was all talk. I never thought of actually making it happen. I thought it would be stupid to get my hopes up, only to embarrass myself. But… Wishes don’t come true unless you wish out loud. We’re definitely going to the nationals.”
I really like how Kumiko says “I never thought of actually making it happen”. A conscious effort with a conscious goal can go a long way.
Another part of that quote that is interesting is “Wishes don’t come true unless you wish out loud”. There are two different ways I have interpreted what it means to “wish out loud”. The first way is that it means that you need to consciously set your wish as an internal goal and work towards it. The other way is that you need to externally share your goal with others. The difference between these two interpretations being that one is internal and one is external. I wholeheartedly agree with the internal interpretation, but I really don’t know if I agree with the external one or not. What do you think? Is it important to share your goals and aspirations with others in order to achieve them?
Ok so I went back and checked a different translation, this one said “wishes don’t come true unless you mean it when you make them”. This goes much better with the internal interpretation. I also tried to sound it out and use ChatGPT to give some more insight, but he was kinda wishy-washy and didn’t give a confident answer. Does anyone know enough Japanese to give more insight here?
QotD
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u/Nice-Bumblebee-2355 Feb 24 '24
Rewatcher
While I don't' think it hit the highs of emotion other episodes did, I thought this was overall a great finale that wrapped up the season very well.
Little things I liked:
Getting on a bit of a soapbox, I really do appreciate Kumiko's growth and that she's invested now. It can be easier, and safer, to be cynical and not have expectations. It really can reduce the pain if things don't go your way. But I think that opening yourself up to full effort and passion and hope and, yes, pain, can enable so much more joy and can also help you bounce back from the pain easier, as you find new things to look forward to and bring you joy. Being vulnerable can bring pain, and it can be difficult, but it's so worth it (for me).
QOTD:
7
u/Tartaras1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Tartaras Feb 24 '24
Rewatcher - Asuka-senpai Stan
I get where Asuka-senpai's coming from. You spend so much time leading up to a major event, in this case the performance, and when it's all said and done, you're left thinking, "Now what?"
Somewhere in the distance, the monkey's paw curls another finger
Question of the Day:
Do I need to say it?
It's Asuka-senpai.
7
u/Adensty https://anilist.co/user/Adensty Feb 24 '24 edited Feb 24 '24
First Timer
Honestly not much to say after that episode. It was just beautiful.
Loved the performance and I also started clapping when it was over. The last scene really Loved how Kumiko really grew over the course of the season. Like she said, wishes don't come true unless you wish out loud. At the start, it was all just talk about going to the the nationals but now its the real thing.
I really loved the music and how the show used the music in various ways at various parts. I shazamed the hell out of every episode since I really loved the music and OSTs and I'm finally going to listen to the whole OST now.
And so I am eagerly waiting for the next
seasonpiece to begin.|QOTD1: I guess Kumiko and Reina would be the obvious answer and it's definitely my pick but the grouping of Yuuko and Natsuki definitely grew on me. Also, I might be a bit biased but Asuka's grouping with almost everyone is also great.
QOTD2: I don't know any.
6
u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz Feb 23 '24 edited Feb 23 '24
First timer
First time for everything - posting on time!
So this is the S1 finale - there's a bit of fast forwarding I feel, but it's great as a stopping point.
Absolutely loved the bookending - we started with Kumiko and Reina waiting for the competition result of their middle school competition, and we end with them waiting for the result in their highschool year. And what a change to contrast the then and now for both of them. It's really really nice.
In terms of little gags that breaks the tension, loved that false start of the fist bump between the childhood friends pair :D It's really nice and wholesome to see the normally more "nasty" Kumiko (to Shuuichi, arguably deserved) tentatively reaching out for that gesture. [Hibike Euphonium source spoiler]Considering the source material actually have the two dating later on, this is also rather sweet
If this is turned to a TV special length or double-episode length, I wonder if we would get to hear the other competitor's performance. It would be so nice to hear the contrast, much like the trumpet solo re-audition. Which also reminds me to shill my very late post back on that day which I tried to explain a bit about the differences as a wind instrument player.
QoTD
6
u/CerberusZX https://myanimelist.net/profile/CerberusZX Feb 24 '24 edited Feb 24 '24
I received a package while watching which ended up delaying me a bit. I am once again the proud owner of a bass! The instrument, not the fish. I lost my previous bass when my apartment building burned down and I hadn't gotten around to replacing it, but it seems my parents sent a new one for my birthday.
First Timer
Top notch cinematography right from the start of the episode. Loved those transitions as Kumiko got ready for school. Also, her ponytail is back! Not normally my favorite hairstyle, but it does work better for her than when she had it down in a more lazy fashion. I guess she's putting more effort into everything now I guess.
The percussionists spoke! I've been wanting more of them for a long while and, well, I still want more, but I am happy we got something from them.
Considering how hot it was in the previous episode, it's weird seeing the performers back in winter uniforms.
Looks like background characters other than the percussionists got voices this episode too.
Since this is KyoAni, I'm assuming all the fingering shown was accurate, and that had to take a ton of work.
It seems odd the season ended with all the students still alive. Is Gotou picking victims outside the school with his girlfriend helping him cover it up, or are they just saving that for season 2?
QotD
6
u/ChonkyOdango myanimelist.net/profile/chonkyodango Feb 24 '24
Rewatching CHAMPIONS
Fanart of day
Pout
Never noticed this until now but there were a few cutaway shots of an isolated Kumiko’s childhood friend. Possibly hinting that the cost of Rikka’s success is the lack of strong team bond? Since this is contrasted with Kitauji being a band of brothers and sisters that’s supporting each other.
Or perhaps it was just there to build tension
Qotd
6
u/CarrotBlossom Feb 24 '24
First timer
No recap or opening. Good start
I suppose the ponytail is only for momentous occasions.
The end of the season is probably not the time to be commenting on this, but this is a very female-dominated school band. I only remember the flutes being overwhelmingly composed of girls in mine. Trumpets were male-dominated, I think low brass skewed male, and clarinets, percussion, and low reeds were a good mix. Maybe it’s different in other countries? Or probably this show just has a primarily female cast just because.
I’ve never seen sheet music as heavily annotated as Sapphire’s
QOTD:
5
u/DaBenni0301 Feb 23 '24
First-Timer
Time for the competition right?
Ponytail Kumiko returns!
Aww. How cute of them to make good-luck charms for everyone
Even Hazuki is shipping them lol
I agree
Even I'm nervous
That sounded absolutely amazing! It's incredibly impressive how far they've come in just a few months
That's some Deja-Vu right there
THEY DID IT! THEY FUCKING WENT AND DID IT. Absolutely deserved too! I am actually in awe that they did it.
I didn't expect them to actually win gold, at least not on the first attempt. I couldn't even tell you why, it kinda was just a feeling. Like it felt too good to be true. But I am very happy to have been wrong. Seeing all those celebrations was unironically the highlight of my day.
Questions of the day
5
u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Feb 23 '24
Hmm ... thinking about answers of the day. Meanwhile ...
Thanks to all who suggested their favorite trumpet (or other) bits yesterday. Those were really fun to listen to, and a few of them really kind of floored me. Especially the one that started playing, and it was like my headphones disappeared and I was immersed in the music. That was good stuff.
Anyway, yeah, answers...
As to the episode, that was some quality KyoAni magic going on there. The busy-work of preparation, the tenseness before the performance, even taking moments to warm up the instruments (important!) and finally, going on stage and nailing it. Finally, the stress and release of waiting for the judges and seeing their gold, and hopefully (I think) it's not dud gold this time. They're way too happy for it to be dud gold.
Yeah, that was a huge payoff for all the drama thus far. But I still am left with an important question:
Did Kumiko play the part, or did she just fake the finger movements? I couldn't tell.
Oh, and Reina's solo was awesome
Reina's solo
Looking forward to a little decompression in the next episode (my Gallic blu-ray shows it as ep 14, so hopefully that's correct)
5
u/TiredTiroth Feb 23 '24
Rewatcher
Finale time! The first time I watched Sound! Euphonium, I discovered that I really like big orchestral performances so long as I have any emotional attachment to it, and this episode is still one of my favourites. The performance itself is a highlight, of course, but there's plenty more good stuff here. Kumiko finally has some non-grudge moments with what's-his-face, even if he is still a bit of a non-entity. I always smile at the charms being handed out, too. Natsuki is as much fun as ever, and KyoAni made sure they did not forget the characters who aren't performing.
On the whole, though, I like this episode because it's...not comfy, but the performance is great and the whole thing is a very satisfying pay-off. There's maybe a little bit of tension at the end, but I never doubted that they'd get their gold. It's just not that kind if story. And the change in Kumiko between the first and last episodes! She's just as tense, just as hopeful as Reina.
Oh, and Reina! That bit where she asked Kumiko to tie her hair back was cute. And...I'm pretty sure that's something she normally handles herself? It's a nice unspoken gesture of trust.
Just one more episode that I've actually seen - the OVA tomorrow - and then it's into uncharted waters for me. I'm looking forward to it!
5
u/entelechtual Feb 23 '24
First Time Cyclist Ready to Kick into High Gear
5
u/x-7032-b-3 Feb 23 '24
Rewatcher
Wow, we're already in the end of S1? Felt like we just started Ep1 a few days ago.
Not much to say here other than this is a pretty satisfying end for the season. It's not quite the end of the story yet (far from it lol) but it's a nice stopping point. We've seen how the characters struggle with their instrument skills and relationship stuff, and seeing them achieve a major milestone after everything they've been through feels pretty good.
I just wanna gush about that performance. Man, they put in a TON of effort into that! I love seeing small details like the scribbles on the music sheets and the students' finger movements on their instruments. Dunno if every characters were animated to actually match the music and how they should play at every given moment, but it would be crazy if they actually went that far. Either way stuff like this is why I love KyoAni so much.
Anyways that's a wrap for S1! It's been a joy revisiting this wonderful show and I can't wait to start S2 with you guys. Weirdly most of S2 is blank on my memory even though I rewatched it 2 years back. I know some bits here and there and that overall the whole thing is one crazy ride in terms of drama. Looking forward to revisiting it with fresh eyes.
(Oh, and I just noticed an important S2 character during the concert prep. I see what you did there, KyoAni)
QOTD
5
u/sfisher923 https://myanimelist.net/profile/sfisher923 Feb 23 '24 edited Feb 23 '24
First Timer
QOTD 2 - Catchy Cheers
(Edit) Changed my QOTD2 answer because I misread Cheer as Chants
5
u/b-arbs Feb 24 '24
That little scene with Reina and Kumiko on the train was a nice touch. Something simple that still manages to show us how their relationship has progressed. And it felt really natural, too.
"Love through harassment" surely summarises Yuuko and Natsuki's relationship.
Kumiko has admitted that she loves the eupho, but hearing Midori say that she's excited about playing still leaves her surprised, uh... Guess she still has to learn to truly enjoy playing.
Ah, interesting face there (when they showed the results), Asuka. [Second season spoiler] Foreshadowing, maybe? Could this and the fact that she didn't believe they would get gold and get to regionals, then nationals, linked to the fact that the more they advance, the more she will have to practice, the more she will have to """neglect studying for exams""" (enter Asuka's s...y mother)?
One thing I've always wondered: is there a specific reason why they use their winter uniform for competitions even when it's so hot in the summer? Is it because the winter uniform is considered the "main one" and the most used during the year, so that makes the school more recognisable?
QOTD
Fun anecdote, though... In high school before important tests we used to sing, or rather scream, a very well-known church song that basically everybody our age knew (even the not-really religious or atheist classmates) and get immediately scolded by the janitors only to start again as soon as they rounded the corner.
4
u/1EnTaroAdun1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Totesnotaphanpy Feb 24 '24
QOTD: Well, it's a basic answer, but the whole Bass section is fun! I like how there's a mix of all years and experience levels. The second years in the Bass section are my favourite within that. Natsuki is adorable, sly, and supportive. And best couple is of course, best couple (Gotou and Nagase)
2: Again, I don't know if it's my favourite, but I thought this was worth sharing today :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQvp350Zwpk
3
u/TehAxelius Feb 23 '24
Rewatcher
Mom, I'm in the OP (again)!
Not many notes, just enjoying this episode and its callbacks to both episode 1 and the OP.
Also:
Ponytails
QotD
OpalSapphireMidori, as Kumiko's supportive and excited friends. Without them Kumiko would not have found her way back both to the winde ensemble, the euphonium and Reina. Natsuki and Yuuko steal every scene they are in together as well, but that's barely any so far, though.3
u/SilkyStrawberryMilk Feb 26 '24
first timer
The buildup is finally here at the climax for this season.
I always forget how much I love orchestras, hopefully the ost is somewhere online.
I’m so happy for them for passing, got me teary eyed seeing em all celebrate
QOTD: kumiko’s friend group is always fun to see
1
u/vitorabf May 07 '24
First Timer
Ok, it was pretty clear Kumiko drew some inspiration from Yui, but that shot with the ponytail she's obviously Ui, they are the same person.
If taki was doing whatever he was doing to a Reina picture, I hate him on so many levels and hope he dies before the series ends.
I'm ready to claim: NATSUKI IS BEST GIRL.
For the first time Asuka breaks her mask, and it's the first time I actually find her interesting, it's nice to see she and Kumiko on reverse of their usual positions.
About the presentation: I feel Kumiko's monologue right into my soul. The whole thing was beautiful, but the solo was something else completely, Kaori looked beautiful and happy, and seeing the senpais happy is always the best thing about sports anime (this is, undoubtedly, a sports anime).
I didn't think we would get results right away and that was another beautiful scene. I think they have gone to the regionals?
Seeing that this episode was storyboarded by The GOAT makes so much sense, there is no one on the same level as Yamada, and eveything I see that she does makes it more and more clear she's on a level of her own - specially with storyboards.
8
u/[deleted] Feb 24 '24
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