Forum - View topicChopin in Japan
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Bruce Lee
 Posts: 715 Location: Seattle, Washington |
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I was looking into one of my favorite J-drama recently, 101st Marriage Proposal (the older one), because of it's great music. Chage and Aska's Say Yes, the theme song, was a big hit in its day. But the song I was interested in was the beautiful piano melody played throughout the many dramatic parts of the show (every 5 minutes
 ). I came to find that the song was from Chopin's 12 Etudes, Opus 10, Number 3.
Re-watching the final episode of FMA the other day, this song appears again spoiler[after Edward has been transported to Munich]. Although a (novice) fan of classical music, I had never really noticed this song before. But now that I've seen it in 2 different Japanese shows (and all of zero american shows or movies), it has caught my attention. Is Chopin, or this song in particular very popular? |
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abunai
Old Regular
 Posts: 5463 Location: 露命 |
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That particular étude, which was subtitled Tristesse ("Sadness") by one of its publishers, is probably one of Chopin's most famous works, and definitely among the best he ever composed -- so it's hardly surprising that it is often quoted in film (not only in anime, and not only in Japan).
Incidentally, Chopin appears to have had a deeply personal connection to this particular piece of music. On one occasion, as one of his pupils played the piece during a lesson, Chopin was heard to sigh loudly and exclaim, "Oh my homeland!". If you're still in the mood for more Chopin, check out étude no. 5 from the same set (Opus 10), which features an amusing little fillip -- all the right hand keys are played using the black keys only (i.e. pentatonic right hand triplets). The result is... interesting. - abunai |
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Kusanagi_Kei
 Posts: 230 |
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If any piece that's widely used in shows, it's gotta be the ever so swift and gradual, Nocturne in E flat Opus 9 No.2 (and this is the only piece that I had focused on and spent time to learn all of it).
I've seen it used in many drama shows in Asia, let it be in Chinese and Japanese dramas, including anime as well. I've noticed quite a lot of shows use them, but so many that I cannot pick out the titles (gomen). Although I do remember Ranma 1/2 (TV) using that piece. You can sometimes hear it played slowly, with several changes in tempo upon the player's discretion, including some arrangements to, which in some fashion modernise the sound occasionally. Last edited by Kusanagi_Kei on Tue Mar 28, 2006 11:16 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Gauss
 Posts: 519 Location: Finland |
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Ah, what is this feeling of melancholy loneliness that comes over me? I let my vision pan across this wintry neverneverland, only to be woken from my contemplation by familiar music. It is my kitchen timer, telling me the bread is baked. I chop it into warm delicious slices and nibble at the edges. Ah, this pan-European taste, it must be... Cho-pan!
Sorry, slight Yakitate Japan reaction there |
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Patachu
Past ANN Contributor
 Posts: 1325 Location: San Diego |
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The 12th Etude in C minor ("Revolutionary") begat the DDR song "Kakumei."
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dormcat
Encyclopedia Editor
 Posts: 9902 Location: New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC |
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Why do I have a feeling that anime lover + classical music lover = solid forum poster?
Okay, I'm boasting myself (and ourselves, don't you agree?). 
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Kusanagi_Kei
Posts: 230 |
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To a certain extent yes. Having studied a little of the "Mozart effect" back in university, I think those who like classical music are just minutely little more intelligent than average. No offense to anyone to who doesn't admire classical music of course. I just think those who are smart (but not necessarily nerd or genius in any way), mature and can think coherently (i.e. not nuts or crazy) while staying in forums are the "solid" members. Again, not offending anyone or adopting a superiority complex, although that's what it seems like.  
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penguintruth
 Posts: 8499 Location: Penguinopolis |
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I'm glad there are other people who notice classical music, especially Chopin pieces, in anime.
Op. 10 Etude No. 3 is my favorite piece of classical music, so I'm happy to hear it whenever it's played in a medium of entertainment I enjoy, like anime. Not only is it prominant in that last episode of Fullmetal Alchemist, but it gets a quick treatment in the third Tenchi Muyo movie, "Tenchi Forever" (U.S. Title). Also, Chopin's "Raindrop" piece can be heard often in Big O, as it is the piano piece that R. Instro teaches Dorothy in the sixth episode, "A Legacy of Amadeus". And of course, Beethoven's 5th and 9th (fourth movement) are often in entertainment. |
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Bruce Lee
Posts: 715 Location: Seattle, Washington |
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Oh yeah - that's right. I actually just watched this one - Tenchi in Love 2 - a few weeks back, and completely forgot about it. Good catch!
If you get a chance, check out the Gankutsuou Classical Compilation. It's a great series, and the music in it is just awesome. This soundtrack may have just re-seated FMA OST 1 as my favorite. |
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jmays
ANN Associate Editor
 Posts: 1390 Location: St. Louis, MO |
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Watch the Long Vacation drama. It's basically one big Chopin lovefest.
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penguintruth
Posts: 8499 Location: Penguinopolis |
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I'd forgotten to mention that a few other Chopin pieces are in that third Tenchi Muyo movie:
12 Etudes, op. 10 No. 6 12 Etudes, op. 10 No. 9 24 Preludes, Op. 28//iii 24 Preludes, Op. 28//iv 24 Preludes, Op. 28//xvii The soundtrack is so chock full of Chopin goodness that it prompted me to get it. |
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