Ao no Orchestra - Season 1

They say you can tell a bad anime by the fact that no streaming service licenses it... This might not always hold true, especially in the case of Blue Orchestra. The use of 3DCGI character models during musical performances may initially deter viewers, as the execution leaves much to be desired. However, one can empathize with the challenges of animating the intricate movements of an entire orchestra. Over time, the artificiality of the computer-generated characters becomes somewhat more bearable. What slightly irked me further was the abundance of drama within the local music club, with seemingly every member grappling with major issues, internal conflicts, or interpersonal dilemmas. Yet, such complexities are intrinsic to human nature, so it's not entirely unexpected. Nevertheless, the main plot twist regarding the relationship between the two male leads felt straight out of a soap opera, and the subsequent sequences full of revelations were emotionally and dramatically excessive for my taste. I understand that many viewers may have found this narrative arc engaging, though. What I loved about this show, on the other hand, is its exploration of music itself — the analysis of individual musical pieces, insightful tidbits about composers, and the intertwining of music with emotions and storytelling culminating in a captivating concert finale. Blue Orchestra effectively captures the joys and struggles of belonging to a music club, and personally, it reignited my appreciation for classical music, a passion cultivated since my school days. I must commend the series for its strong focus on Antonín Dvořák, a nod to Czech musical heritage that always resonates with me. I appreciate the shift away from prominent figures like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach in favor of highlighting lesser-known composers like Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, and especially Dvořák. The educational aspects of the series, including insights into European musical composition and Dvořák's fascination with steam locomotives, reminded me of the enriching music education lessons I cherished in school. In summary, Blue Orchestra serves as an educational yet engaging show, seamlessly blending music appreciation with high school drama. I'm giving it a 7.2/10, with the last two episodes being particularly enjoyable for me. I'm also happy about the announcement of a second season. (09.10.2023)