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Soundtrack Review

Amongst the broader anime community, the slice of life/iyashikei genre hasn't really reached a level of mass appeal compared to action or romance shows and unless people have taken the time to watch titles like Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou or Natsume Yuujinchou, they will miss out on a genre that is filled to the brim with quite a few gems. However, anime fans who've hung around discussion boards long enough will see one title come up repeatedly as an exemplar of the genre: ARIA the Animation. This series principally revolves around the lives of three apprentice gondoliers training in the serene canal-lined city of Neo-Venezia (which is based on modern-day Venice). As they work to advance up the ranks, they create many wonderful memories from their experiences as they interact with and eventually gain an appreciation for the city and its people. The sense of delight and happiness that you get from seeing the characters go about their affairs is contagious and it doesn't hurt that the soundtrack, composed by Takeshi Senoo and the Choro Club, does a beautiful job of capturing ARIA's wonderful mood and setting.

And it doesn't take long for the magic to come forth through the music. The soundtrack opens up with "Gondola no Yume" which uses acoustic guitars to great effect through a melody that fits the title of the track perfectly in its depiction of a dreamscape where you ride in a gondola which skims smoothly over the water's surface, drifting along with the ethereal currents. While that track serves as an excellent taste of what's to come, "Shourou no Patri ~ Neo Venezia" is what really clinches the essence of the series in a nutshell. Takeshi Senoo weaves the choro part in such a way that it brings forth an image of a city that takes life at a slower, almost lackadaisical pace, filled to the brim with a charming atmosphere that you can't help but feel a sense of contentment and enchantment.

"AQUA" focuses more upon day to day life through its bouncy feel aided by the counterpoint which manages to blend perfectly in with the melody that serves as an excellent track to illustrate the easygoing life that the show's chief protagonist, Akari Mizunashi leads. The next two tracks, "Natsu Tayori" and "Aqua Alta Hiyori," also bring forth different aspects of her character. "Natsu Tayori has a carefree aura about it as though to emphasize Akari's easygoing nature all the more while "Aqua Alta Hiyori" describes Akari's peculiar reaction as she explores Neo Venezia during the flood season.

"Mangetsu no Dolche" marks a departure towards more serious, introspective fare that comes about through a combination of viola and piano to create a reserved piece that is nevertheless rich in emotional content, especially the segment around 1:11 where the piano part deals an air that is contemplative. "Mizu no Kagami's" melody also carries a certain sort of emotional weight. After going past the soft cymbal crescendo, the vocals come in such a way that feels like a dream, as though you're surrounded by a heavenly chorus bearing you into the skies above before settling into a slow-paced melody that allows your mind to meander as you reminisce on the memories of your life's experiences which plays a heavy part as one of ARIA's main themes.

Furthering the slice-of-life themes are ARIA's songs which feature the late Eri Kawai. Her performances on "Barcarolle" and "Santa Claus no Sora" are absolutely awe-inspiring in the way it evokes ARIA's setting. "Barcarolle" is the Italian term used for the folk songs sung by gondoliers, and Kawai's delivery is absolutely wonderful on all counts. Her airy voice takes you away, making you feel as though you were in a pleasant dream as you float along in the gondola in a world that's far removed from our own; in a place where you can relax from the pressures of everyday life. "Santa Claus no Sora" is even better as Kawai's soothing voice washes over you like a balm delivering peace and tranquility which fits in with the image of a special winter's night filled with serenity and wonder.

Finally, the album begins to close out, and the sense of finality we get out of "Soshite Fune Wa Iku" is extremely fitting as it carries a piano melody that is enchanting and reflective at the same time. The air it puts forth feels as though a year has passed by and that all the characters have grown to appreciate the world around them through the memories that they've created in the interim. As the track comes to an end, you can feel a sense of eagerness as though the characters realize there are challenges ahead, and in their hearts, they are ready to meet those challenges.

Of all the anime soundtracks that I've had a chance to listen to, ARIA stands miles apart for its ability to bring forth the joys and quirks of everyday life in the anime series' world that complements the setting so beautifully. Through the music, the viewer continues to stay engaged with the characters and their thoughts and feelings as they reflect upon their experiences. It's rare that a soundtrack is capable of doing so much, but that is why ARIA the Animation's soundtrack will stand out as a timeless classic.

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