Paris.
Wien.
"Shinichi Chiaki, Guest Conductor, Deschamps Orchestra"
It's time.
Wei.
NODAME CANTABILE The Movie Άρ
One month later
Paris, Spring
You still beaming about
that necklace, Nodame?
It was a present from Chiaki.
But it's so boringly plain.
I can't believe our first year exams are soon.
What're you playing?
Chopin, Liszt and Mozart.
I'll be tested on a year's worth of work at the Conservatoire.
And I plan to show them I deserve a "tres bien!"
Nodame, look!
Jean!
Jean Donnadieu, who placed 2nd to Chiaki last year?
He's everywhere.
Jean!
He's been named conductor of Paris' famed Deschamps Orchestra!
Wait, didn't Chiaki conduct them recently?
Why didn't he get it?
Beats me.
But Chiaki won 1st prize!
It's not fair!
Tough break, Chiaki.
After much deliberation,
he Deschamps Orchestra has made its decision.
And selected Jean.
It appears you won the battle, but not the war.
Who's side you on, Elise?
I thought I performed up to that orchestra's great reputation.
Maybe they're tired of stuffy, serious conductors.
And Jean is contemporary, gorgeous and flamboyant.
Cheer up. I've good news for you, too.
Oliver!
The Roux-Marlet Orchestra.
A Paris-based unit with a long tradition.
They requested a resident conductor, so I gave them you.
You said I'd do it?
Yes.
Site unseen?
Yes...
But why?
Marlet's a respected orchestra that Streseman himself once conducted.
He did mention it.
The Marlet Orchestra made me who I am.
But why me?
Their music director, DePreist, asked for you by name.
He was at your debut concert. Be happy.
They're broke,
but you can fix that.
I can have my own orchestra.
Wow! What a spread!
Just beef bourguignon.
Chiaki's magical cuisine. What's the occasion?
Whenever you're happy, you always cook up a storm.
So what are we celebrating?
Nothing, really.
Oh, okay. Bon appetit!
I couldn't wait to see this orchestra for myself.
Are you free Friday?
Exhausted as usual.
We came to Paris together a year ago...
I, for a conductor's competition...
Nodame, to study piano at the Conservatoire de Paris.
It hasn't been easy for her, but she doesn't let on.
I've still got much to learn, too.
I'm in charge of an orchestra.
Chiaki's been given an orchestra?
Yeah, so now we've got to do him one better, right?
Well, let's start by acing our exams next month.
Okay.
What're you doing, Tanya?
Nodame, look! A surprise guest!
The piano prodigy, Rui Son.
Why's she here?
Where to, Frank?
Rehearsal for the Marlet Orchestra!
By the way, congratulations.
Who told you?
My grandma's a huge Marlet fan and long-time supporter.
Come on! We can't be late!
Me a Marlet alternate? I can't!
You can. They're looking for subs.
My friend in the front office asked me to find a violinist.
It's so fortunate that you can play violin.
But I'm going to be their conductor. They'll know.
I thought you'd say that.
My dad's spectacles.
circular shape...
And some hair wax.
Voila! The disguise is complete.
Theatre Blanc...
the orchestra's home base.
Morning, Theo!
Frank!
I brought a violinist.
Unique do. I like it.
I'm Theo. Put it there, Slick.
One violinist coming right up!
I told you.
Is this orchestra hurting?
Oh, Mr. Ekisudron, the flutist.
Can you play piccolo?
I didn't bring piccolo.
Didn't bring one? Then play 2nd chair.
They look desperate.
I know money's tight but...
these are pros?
The horse will win!
Bolero, huh?
I haven't sat in an orchestra since high school.
Hey, you. Don't get too comfortable.
Good morning, Mr. Simone!
Good morning.
The concertmaster.
Listen up, everyone! I've got some bad news!
Conductor Geremek has canceled our concert and returned to Poland!
He's not coming back.
No rehearsal today!
Not again.
No way.
Some orchestra this is.
I planned to tell you gradually... to lessen the shock.
Tell me now.
Well, a while ago, a large bunch of members suddenly quit.
They've been performing with subs.
It's a patchwork orchestra.
Why'd they all quit?
Lack of funds, few rehearsals, bad concerts, you name it.
Patrons have been dropping like flies.
It's not pretty.
They're near bankrupt.
Shock is an understatement.
Can we find a replacement conductor in time?
How about Emmanuel? He's a superb conductor.
I had hoped he'd be next.
But he's in America, and is expensive.
We could call in Chiaki earlier than planned.
That's preposterous. He's too green.
He won't be ready in time.
Sure he will. He won a major competition.
He's our future conductor. I say the sooner the better.
Future conductor, bah! I haven't approved him.
Don't complain to me.
We only have two days! Come on!
He's here, young and cheap!
I'll make the call. Chiaki is our man!
Move.
I'm young and cheap? You're kidding?
You've probably noticed but...
we've taken the liberty to dub everything in Japanese. Thank you!
Two rehearsals, and boom! We perform before an audience.
Familiar story.
A terrible Orchestra....
The S Orchestra.
Anyway I need preparation for this.
Dukas' Sorcerer's Apprentice,
Ravel's Bolero,
and Schumann's "Spring" Symphony...
all by tomorrow.
Can I do it?
Hello.
Hello, Chiaki! Guess who?
Chiaki!
Rui? Performing in Paris?
No, studying at the Conservatoire.
Really?
Yup. I expect we'll see a lot of each other.
Chiaki, no!
Trying to kill me?!
Stop glaring.
You all right, Chiaki?
You quit performing to resume your studies?
Your mother must be upset.
It was pretty ugly.
But I'm off her leash at last.
I couldn't take it.
Rui.
Excuse moi, s'il vous plait.
I made tea.
Thank you.
You are...
I'm Nodame... the obedient wife.
Wife?
My husband's told me so much about you. Enjoy.
Oh, please don't do this.
She suffers from delusions. Just play along.
I'm sorry, Rui, but you've caught me at a bad time.
At least help me find an apartment.
Just for one day. I don't know my way around Paris yet.
I'll call you.
Chiaki, dear?
What?
Where're you going?
Nowhere.
What's wrong with you?
I'll tell you what's wrong! All that kissing, you cheat!
It's a French greeting. -You're Japanese!
What Japanese bites people? Go to your room!
I'm real swamped. I've got a concert to prepare for.
I can't say I blame her.
Rui's a threat to Nodame.
But right now, I've got to worry about myself.
One day before the concert
Our new conductor's coming? That young Japanese?
Young, handsome and real talented, I hear.
Dubbed "The Asian Prince."
You're kidding.
Come on, people! Don't diddle dawdle. Get ready.
Good mood as always.
The Asian Prince doesn't stand a chance against him.
They'll hit it off. They have to!
Hello.
Chiaki! Welcome to the Marlet Orchestra!
How do you do?
We've been waiting!
Have we met before?
No.
Of course not! Well, let's begin.
Where are your glasses?
One word!
Try not to fight with the concertmaster, okay?
I hear you don't mince words. So please...
we don't have time for discord. The concert's tomorrow.
"Discord"?
The rumor is people leave because of a "dictator".
I'm Thomas Simone, concertmaster.
It must be him.
Shinichi Chiaki. How do you do?
Pleasure.
I'm Shinichi Chiaki, your regular conductor starting next season.
Since we're short on time, we'll have to get acquainted by playing.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice by Paul Dukas...
a symphony inspired by a Goethe poem of the same name.
An apprentice is ordered by his master to do various chores.
So he uses his unripe magic to make a broom do the work.
The music was made famous by Disney's Fantasia.
Like the animated film, it conjures up playfulness and humor.
Rui, I thought we were apartment hunting, not shopping.
I need Chiaki's help for that, and he's not answering.
But I appreciate your help.
I need to buy gifts for people for when I return to the States.
I wish I could shop.
But you bought something.
That hideous doll.
Gorota is not ugly.
Please stop.
Tempo's too slow.
No, it's fine.
And folks, the staccato in section 7-6.
Don't make it so heavy.
He acts like he's speaking for me.
Uh-oh.
Get back to conducting.
"No time for discord"?
We'll take it from 7-6.
The concertmaster is right. But I want more energy.
I'm beginning to see this orchestra's dilemma.
Will it hold together? Or burst like a dam?
Hurry up, Nodame. We go there next.
Nodame, where were you? Take this.
I'm out of money.
It's Kazuo!
What did you do? That's a one-of-a-kind!
-Buy it! -I did nothing!
How wonderful!
Kazuo...
Breathtaking!
My carefree life in Paris begins!
Life is about more than piano.
It's about freedom... friends, new encounters...
I think the wind's coming from that direction.
Try pointing it this way.
Full steam ahead!
Yippee!
There she goes!
Look at her go! Follow it!
Sail on!
Uh-oh.
Don't worry. I'll get it for you.
Come here.
Come closer...
Sorry, time's up!
An orchestra kicked out by a children's ballet?
Theo, isn't this our rehearsal room?
Yes, but we have to rent it out.
Everyone's got part-time jobs to go to, anyway.
They do?
They can't live off what we pay so they give lessons...
work supermarket registers, wait tables, bake bread.
Even sell contraband.
They've got to eat, you know.
Before you critique others, you could use some studying yourself.
Dammit.
Day of the concert
More people quit?
I'm afraid so.
I can't find replacements for percussion and celesta.
Do we need them?
Of course we do! Are you crazy?
Just kidding.
We'll put one of our strings on percussion.
And you could play celesta. You think?
Stop talking nonsense and find someone! Make some calls!
I'm all tapped out, actually.
The downward spiral continues.
I'll find a celesta player.
You find a percussionist. Or else.
Key to a practice room, please.
Sure. You're early today.
It's me.
Say that again. "It's me."
When are your classes finished?
I'm done with classes already.
But now I practice.
Can you get over here?
Did you forget something?
I need a celesta for Bolero.
Your key!
"First Collaboration!"
"Hallelujah!"
"Delusion Forest"
See Chiaki and Nodame perform together at last!
With the Marlet Orchestra tonight!
Nodame and Chiaki?
Finally! Oh happy day!
Your dream's come true, Nodame!
Let the world rejoice!
"First Collaboration!"
"Congratulations, Nodame and Chiaki!"
Where's the musicians' door?
Yoo-hoo? I'm with the orchestra! I play the celesta!
Nodame!
Over here! The entrance is this way.
Why're you here?
To see the orchestra. I played with them once at 16.
I'm here to pay my respects. You?
I was called to...
Rui Son?
You're the celesta Chiaki asked for!
Chiaki? Celesta?
This way. We're starting now.
Chiaki?
Rui, what're you doing here?
So she's your celesta, huh?
What piece?
Sorcerer's Apprentice?
No, Bolero.
No, wait.
Rui, is that you? What brings you here?
Monsieur Simone! How've you been?
Okay. You?
I played with Chiaki when he subbed for Streseman.
Subbed for Streseman?
Yes, Chiaki is his prize student.
Sorcerer's Apprentice is very fitting. I can't wait!
The story's about an ordinary apprentice...
who doesn't know how to be a sorcerer.
You want me for Bolero, right?
Want you for what, Rui?
Celesta. I'm pinch-hitting.
Hold on. The person I asked...
Stop hiding. Come on!
Rui would be better.
But I asked for you.
No, forget it! Get a clue!
I'm sorry.
Bolero, Sorcerer's Apprentice and Spring Symphony?
There's no piano part in these.
Nodame said she's playing.
A change in program? Go ask someone.
There'd be an announcement.
Hold this.
Mr. Matsuda, hello. I'm Kuroki.
I played oboe in the Rising Star Orchestra.
Ah, the hot shot who vanished to study abroad.
Hot shot?
It's okay. I was sorry to see you go.
How's the orchestra? Everyone well?
We're on hiatus.
I was asked to guest conduct the Russert Orchestra next month.
You see, I'm their main guest conductor.
Did Chiaki invite you tonight?
I haven't talked to him since I took over Rising Star.
But I hear the rumors, believe me.
I would kill to have my own orchestra. As "The Asian Prince", too!
Okay on percussion?
I'll strike.
And I mute.
I've been a paying patron for 43 years since the Streseman days.
But the quality's been dropping these past few years.
Grandma, look! Rui Son is on the celesta!
You won't be disappointed. Chiaki's incredibly talented.
He'll bring the sparkle back to your Marlet Orchestra.
Ravel's Bolero. Originally written as a ballet.
With a rhythm that continues from start to finish...
flute and clarinet in alternating solos...
entwined in a single, evocative melody.
A piece that showcases the beauty of an orchestra...
but can also ruthlessly expose an orchestra's competence.
The replacements are better than the regulars.
Another regular?
Thank you, Rui.
Another regular.
his orchestra is...
too disparate in talent.
With one-third having quit... there's no tonal foundation.
Plus, not enough practice and no self-reflection.
Priceless!
That's it, I'm done with these bums! I'm going over to Deschamps!
I'm leaving!
Grandma!
Applause with laughter.
I've known that before.
I'm back where I began.
Let's grab a drink.
To celebrate.
You've got to cheer up. Nodame looks worried.
Don't mind me.
You two go ahead and celebrate.
Wait!
What's wrong?
Nothing's wrong.
I just want to play piano.
I can't afford to spend my time playing around!
No free time! No more youth!
Nodame!
Rui!
Mother. You're in Paris?
You lying brat!
You promised me you'd come here to practice!
I am! Really!
Don't lie. You've been fooling around with him.
Absolutely not.
You're wrong!
You lecherous man!
Mama!
You're just like your mentor, Streseman.
Womanizer! Pervert!
We're returning to America!
I'm still looking for an apartment!
If you can't keep your promise, you're coming home!
No! Mother, no!
No!
Here's a review of Rui's recital at Carnegie Hall a year ago.
"A prodigy hits the wall"
"Bland performance" "Disappointing"
It wasn't like this when we performed together.
I knew about this review.
A lot must've happened to make her come study abroad by herself.
This isn't the real Rui.
She's been acting forcibly cheerful.
Yeah.
Poor Rui.
This won't happen to you.
You're ambitious, obstinate and a big dummy.
Just be patient.
Look.
Just remember that everything you've done so far serves a purpose.
I learned that today.
You're very talky tonight.
You don't usually express yourself.
Well, today wasn't an ordinary day.
I enjoyed the concert tonight.
It showed everyone is human.
You, too.
And the Sorcerer's Apprentice?
You were like Mickey Mouse up there.
Stop it.
-lt was fun. -Quiet.
Orchestras are wonderful.
I wanted to join in.
Maybe someday as a pianist.
First I need to get a "tres bien" on my test.
Then after I win one or two competitions, I'll...
perform with you.
Yeah.
We'll make a "golden pair,"
and it won't be with some fleabag orchestra.
We both must work hard.
A vow of love?
Wait for me, Chiaki. I'll catch up soon.
Yes, you bounce and frolic very well but...
away from the piece, I'm afraid.
Well, maybe just a little.
Your mind is straying, Baby.
I'm Nodame, not Baby.
Again, from the same place. You won't pass the test this way.
2 weeks until the Conservatoire promotion exams.
I become conductor in autumn.
I can't sit idly by.
Close your windows.
It's no use.
I'll need to work at the Marlet office.
This season's performances will determine the orchestra's fate.
The Marlet Orchestra began in 1875.
After 130 years of making great music, here it is.
Breeding ground for Streseman's talent.
Do I have what it takes to save it?
Theo!
Are we ready to hold an audition?
Yes.
Let me see what you got.
But with our schedule, we'll never get DePreist to come.
I don't care.
Count me in.
Let me be a judge.
Upside down.
There goes our weekend.
We haven't held a real audition in years.
Let's get started. Time's a wasting.
Ok.
1st day of auditions: strings
Cello 2nd chair entry No. 1
We had entries play a compulsory piece...
and one of their choosing.
The concertmaster, myself and selected members were judges.
We each picked our favorites.
I worried no one would show.
But many came from the country and abroad.
Sorry but could we start again?
Give me a break!
Go practice by yourself then. My playing's perfect.
What? You goofed up, too!
The audition's tomorrow!
I'm exhausted!
Fine, then.
I'll have Nodame accompany me.
No, I'll do it!
I said I would.
Start playing.
Kuroki's trying out for Marlet?
He's real excited. He wants to surprise Chiaki.
Nice of Tanya to accompany him with her exams so close.
Where are you going? And what's that?
A plate. Kuroki's buying us a pizza. From Santa Lucia's.
They're closed today.
I could serve my curry.
There's a lot left over.
Curry sounds great!
Here we are.
Come on in.
Whoa, you made a lot!
Nodame curry again?
You've never had my curry, Tanya.
Thick and burnt, right?
You mean rich and mellow.
Chiaki fell unconscious after eating this.
This batch is better.
Do you want it with bread or rice?
I've gotta go home.
Why?
I've got instant curry at home.
See you tomorrow, Tanya.
Ok.
Good luck!
Save Marlet!
Okay, let's eat!
Bread for me!
Violin section audition, entry No. 8
Not the best piece for an audition. What's he thinking?
Look at his shirt! And theatrics!
He is a bit over the top but...
he's good.
What a doofus.
He's not bad.
I agree.
But hot shots like him are not team players.
Make him one, then.
Just like Ryutaro.
No problem.
Look, those two are getting along.
Oh!!!
My stomach...
What's happening?
2nd day of auditions: winds
Kuroki?
Hello, I'm Yasunori Kuroki.
Oboe 1st chair, entry No. 2
He's even more polished than when he was with Rising Star.
You've got it.
Just keep that up.
Tanya.
Almost done.
One stanza.
This would go down in history as the "Nodame curry incident".
It's definitely not my curry. Look at me, I'm fine.
Take this.
It's the curry.
It tasted weird.
Enemies lie within.
Hurry and get well.
Mother and son?
Bassoon section, entry No. 12
That's French bassoon.
We asked for German bassoon. Why come with French?
This guy is...
good.
French bassoon and German bassoon.
The French bassoon has changed little since Baroque days.
It has only a few valves and is hard to control.
But its sound is rich and clear.
Yet most orchestras now go with the German bassoon.
As of this season, so are we.
Superb.
I assume you know we asked for German bassoon.
If we take you, would you be willing to switch?
Nope.
Then I'm afraid we can't use you.
But you're a French orchestra?
Why should I switch to play German bassoon.
I'm sorry.
French bassoon is fine.
Why'd we switch, anyway?
We'd always gone with French.
We should be preserving French tradition, don't you think?
French bassoons are tricky to use in an orchestra.
We can accommodate one French bassoon, can't we?
We can.
Those two.
They're a coalition.
I'm glad it's over. Good work.
How did you fill spaces without holding auditions?
By word-of-mouth or by promoting substitute musicians.
Sometimes even passed down to an offspring.
Hence the downward spiral.
Simone had been asking for a major audition.
But he ran into opposition.
Opposition?
Yeah, a third of the orchestra just up and left.
Good work, Mr. Simone.
We'll make this orchestra better.
Look at you.
You'll catch a cold.
Chiaki.
Kuroki... how was Kuroki?
He was accepted.
Next is my turn.
Conservatoire promotion test
Her music is elegant and colorful.
Very playful.
Chiaki!
Yoo-hoo!
I love you! Tres bien!
You got a "tres bien"?
Yes.
I'm one step closer to our "golden pair."
As a reward, give me 20 seconds to recharge!
Enough.
I'm all yours.
Stop!
September
A new orchestral season had begun.
Chiaki, DePreist sent us a tentative concert program.
This is...
Where is he now? I need to talk to him.
Hold on.
At a music festival in Japan.
Tokyo.
Tokyo?
Pleased to make your acquaintance, Chiaki.
I'm James DePreist.
How do you, Mr. DePreist?
Call me Jimmy.
orgive me for leaving so much to you.
Quite alright.
I wish I could be there but
your maestro invited me out.
Hey, Jimmy. Want some mermaid juice?
No, thank you.
Don't be a prude.
I give it to all my friends. It promotes longevity.
Just a little, then.
Just a little.
Enough with the gimmicks!
How'd you guess?
It wasn't hard.
Chiaki.
Nice to hear your voice. Jimmy went to the toilet.
Don't tell me you suggested Bach for our program.
To win the orchestra's trust.
This piece will let you show people all that you've learned.
If you don't like it, you can always quit.
No. I'll do it. If you'll let me.
I need sleep!
Why are we rehearsing so early?
I'm sure it's our concertmaster's doing.
If not, then Chiaki.
It better end quick. I've got work in the afternoon.
Rehearsal's until 2 pm.
What? Raise our pay, then.
I'll say. Bet you can't feed your kids on this.
I don't have kids.
You're our new 1st chair, right?
I'm Alexis, oboe.
Kuroki. Pleased to meet you.
I'm glad we got so much talent this time.
Chiaki must be thrilled.
New people, better orchestra
How simple it is
Now we just have to keep from being fired
Right!
Today, the new Marlet sets sail.
Our ability to bring back paying supporters...
hinges on our next concert.
We'll begin with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.
Soften after the crescendo.
Come back rich after diminuendo.
Cellos, softer on the 2nd part.
Picky.
Easy on the crescendo!
Again.
Same old Chiaki.
Crescendo!
I don't like this.
All cellos!
Full diminuendo. Don't rely on the violas.
This phrase lasts two beats.
Again from the top.
He wasn't like this before when we were rushed.
I thought he'd be easy. But he's a stickler.
Balance!
Hit the pitch!
Next we have this supermarket!
What a plain looking poster.
It's normal, Yuko.
So small.
It just makes our victory that much more a fait accompli.
Here you go.
Tissue?
A Japanese ad technique!
Fold up a little poster in some tissues.
Don't get cute, Nodame.
Look who's talking!
Horns! Sharper!
Sloppy!
Bass pitch.
I'm going to be a little late.
We've got to move on.
Next, let's...
Not yet.
We're still off.
Once again, measure 58.
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.
Written to depict Napoleon's historic defeat in 1812.
Russian farmers who suffered under Napoleon's military oppression...
raise a peasant army in an effort to take back their way of life.
We're the suffering peasants!
Today was a total disaster.
Am I asking too much?
No, I'd like to demand more.
The air feels heavy and ominous.
Come see the Marlet Orchestra!
Marlet Orchestra.
Marlet?
Deschamps and Marlet are having quite a go.
Professor AuClair!
Please come see the Marlet Orchestra!
Their conductor is Japanese! And so young!
Actually... he's my boyfriend.
Boyfriend! Is that so?
Isn't that something?
A conductor.
This I'll have to see.
Don't rush the 8th notes!
Snares, diminuendo!
Contrabass, come alive!
Mrs. Chiaki?
Shh! He doesn't know I'm here.
He wouldn't mind.
You're a piano student, I hear.
My teacher told me to see as many operas and orchestras as I can.
This is fieldwork.
A conductor as a husband is a great perk.
And they say the piano is a one-person orchestra.
Psst... hey!
Got a reed?
You don't have extras?
I forgot to make one.
You're kidding.
Here. Take one.
Thanks.
Thank God. I've got work.
Me, too. I've never rehearsed so much in my life.
I need an easier orchestra.
These are pros?
You should dump that French bassoon. It'll make things easier.
I know. I used to play one myself.
I don't get you. You're French! Why play that?
Stop hot-dogging!
Do you even know what the word "ensemble" means?
You should talk after all those mistakes you made!
You made rehearsal go overtime!
Come again?!
And what's with that shirt? Cuffs but no sleeves?
It's revolting!
Now he said it.
It keeps me cool in a jacket!
But look... cuffs!
That's just weird!
I thought it was some kind of a fashion statement!
So what?
Stop playing like a prima donna!
Shut up, all of you!
What're you doing?
The heart of an ensemble is unity.
It's harmony.
The essence of music is harmony.
A true musician serves that.
If you're still here, then rehearse in sections.
I'm home!
Hello?
Bear meat?
Gone until the next rehearsal. Keep the room spotless.
Where're you going?
Stop!
Chiaki! Way too fast!
Your piano hasn't matured.
As usual, no sensuality. Again.
Yes.
Feel the orchestra there.
Fix your gaze!
An uncertain diminished 7th.
A refracted melody.
Aren't we eager? You don't need to start that till next semester.
I can't relax.
Or I'll fall far behind Chiaki.
I can't say as I blame you.
But I'd be more worried that he disappeared on you.
I mean, aren't you worried? Or lonely?
Call him! Now!
Where is everybody?
At their other jobs, making up for time missed due to rehearsals.
Gotta make ends meet.
No excuse! We're taking off work, too!
Yeah, we all work, right?
My kid has a fever!
-Mine, too! -You don't have kids.
Maybe I'll quit.
I mean, what's the point if I can't earn a decent living?
Can I be excused, then?
No, you can't!
Not so fast.
Hurry and begin. From Path^tique.
Okay.
The realities of daily life are killing the orchestra.
We'll never be ready.
Pick up your daughter?
I beg of you.
The baby-sitter I hired suddenly canceled.
Why not her mother? Or you?
My wife's got issues. And I've got work.
If I'm fired, I'll have to quit the orchestra, too. Please!
Baby-sitting, huh?
Thanks. I'd never be able to do this alone.
You sure Chiaki won't mind?
'Course not. He returns late these days.
Where does he go?
The Marlet office.
He says he can't concentrate here.
Poor girl, are your mom and dad always working?
No, mommy went to Granny's.
Dad's a musician.
I know. He plays with that man.
The same instrument.
I feel sorry for you, then.
The new conductor is real mean, right?
Papa says he's a non-stop nitpicker who must drive his women crazy.
Whose kid is this?
Welcome home.
Great! Dinner's ready.
Whose kid?
Alexis Solan. I'm Katherine.
Oh, him. Why's she here?
What does it matter? You'd best treat her nice.
Why?
So they won't hate you so much.
You heard her? You're an arrogant slave-driver.
Once an orchestra hates you, you can kiss your job good-bye.
I don't care if they hate me.
Dinner!
Bossy, aren't you?
Well, you're using my food.
You're right.
We're not in music to make friends.
We're professionals.
I'm with you, Chiaki. No need to worry.
Papa's a pro, too.
He practices every day after work.
He practices a lot until real late at night!
He says the conductor's mean, but very good.
He practices really hard!
I know.
You do?
Well... by his playing.
Let's eat.
Great borscht!
A real meal for once.
-You free? -Yes, where to?
Opera house. -Gotcha.
Clean up your own dishes!
You too, dear!
Put down that instrument!
Harmony?
The concertmaster said that?
An ensemble of sleeveless harmony.
What's that mean?
I find it all very cosmic.
Cosmic, huh?
Boethius and D'Arezzo said that.
Who?
Philosophers who said the study of nature's harmony can be found...
in astronomy, geometry, mathematics... and music.
Music?
One who masters music theory...
and sees a whole work with the power of reason is a "musicus"...
while one who sings or performs music is a "cantor."
Cantor?
The root for "cantabile."
The sum of all things... the spirit of the universe...
seems so immensely vast.
While I am infinitesimally small.
And yet...
that is why piece by piece...
I must find the harmony in this orchestra.
Roux-Marlet Orchestra 2,390th Regular Concert
Looks like a full house... thanks to our tissue ads.
Opening night is mostly member's families.
No, this is much more than last time.
They want to see the young prize-winning conductor!
Well, this is their last chance.
If it's anything like their Bolero, I'm defecting.
I can't believe I'm nervous.
It's been years.
The pressure of an audience.
This is nothing.
Rehearsals are much scarier!
Are you ok?
That old man has sat in that seat for decades.
Oh, Bach! Delightful.
Baby is late.
It was 3 pm... and is still 3 pm?
It's time to go.
I'm going to be late! Stall the concert!
That idiot.
It's time.
I can't wait.
I must go ahead.
House is full for once.
I was just a teenager...
when I saw Streseman conduct the Marlet Orchestra.
They were young, pompous and seemed to rule the world.
Streseman was a petty man.
But the music he created was like a dream come true.
I vowed to be a part of it someday.
You may see this orchestra as a stepping stone to greater things.
But my dream is to see this orchestra vibrant again...
adored by people as it once was.
That is my most fervent wish.
In my desperation...
I've been tough on members,
and driven away conductors I didn't like.
I've torn this orchestra apart.
But this year...
I believe will be different.
Yes.
I made it.
Just barely, Baby.
Take off your coat.
I'm only wearing underwear. I only had time to shower.
The air feels heavy.
The weight of 130 years of tradition.
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture...
A prayer of peace echoing through a Russian village.
Peasants rising up against their oppressors.
When the horrors and devastation of war finally recede...
the rustic landscape returns.
And now comes the march.
Where're you going, Yuki?
Home...
to Japan.
Your boyfriend is wonderful... truly wonderful.
A bit serious, but sincere.
That's him.
I'm talking about his music.
He's more than just a bit serious.
He never acts vulnerable.
But he's amazing.
It's my goal and dream to perform with him on the piano.
Your goal?
What's the next piece?
It's a small ensemble.
A Bach concerto.
Bach's piano concerto?
Normally it's played with a cembalo.
But a hall this size requires a piano.
Piano?
Who?
See for yourself.
The conductor.
Chiaki on the piano?
He's play-conducting?
Not fair.
Maestro!
How did I do?
Maestro?
The doleful melancholy parts suited you, Chiaki.
First violin, syncopation!
Rhythm!
Harder timpani!
Segue to the horns!
Cellos, crescendo!
What's got into Matsuda?
He's been real intense.
Ever since Paris.
Thanks to that, Rising Star is selling out!
"Encore Performance"
Forgive me Chiaki for my infidelity!
Matsuda, I love you! So smooth.
Oh, to be in Paris... with Chiaki!
Competition?
I'm trying again.
Vienna
But don't come till finals. Better yet, don't come.
Don't worry, Kiyora. I can't.
My new bow made me broke.
I await your triumphant return.
Fine.
I...
But I'll be with you in spirit, so play like hell!
See ya!
Kiyora...
Ryutaro.
"Savings Account"
Go to Vienna.
I've been saving up all your life for something like this.
Go support Kiyora.
Dad?
Thanks, Dad!
I'll go to Paris!
Paris?
Kiyora's contest is in Paris. I can see Chiaki and Nodame, too!
Chiaki!
Dad!
Send me, too!
Franz, if you're that healthy, I'll put you back to work.
I was worried, but look at you. Didn't even go see Chiaki.
I've had my fill of Chiaki.
Tell me... how's Nodame?
I want to hear her piano again...
while my ears still register beautiful sounds.
Franz, you don't mean...
Your first class as a 2nd year student, Baby.
I'd like to enter a competition.
Not right away, of course.
But I should start preparing now.
I've learned that cramming at the last minute doesn't work.
Oh, Baby...
I can't authorize that.
If you've got time for that, I can increase your work load.
There are many composers you should learn.
Pick 3 of these by next week.
But why?
Why can't I enter a competition?
I've got to move forward, too!
Chiaki made Bach seem so easy.
You're in no state to learn anything right now.
Baby...
I suggest you put some distance between you and him.
How's this apartment?
It's just a studio but there's room for a piano, and its soundproof.
Fine.
You seem in quite a hurry to move.
I just feel I need a change.
Yes.
I'll take the room.
I'll move in next week.
Chiaki?
Nodame.
Let's... Iive apart.
I'm scared.
I'm afraid I'll lose my feelings for you.
The final chapter
Begins
It's something I've thought about a lot.
But I think Nodame was much happier playing piano in Japan.
Rather than forcing such pain and hardship on her...
she should choose a path she likes.
I need to accept that.
And just be a regular couple.
And still, I can't suppress the urge...
to take her with me, onstage.
NODAME CANTABlLE
The Movie Άς