12 Days of Anime Intro
Today’s episode: Hibike! Euphonium episode 13
I thought I’d keep it a little simple today – a little easier on my hands.
Hands are important to Hibike! Euphonium.
Kumiko’s hands trace her sheet music one last time the morning of the competition.
But they don’t rest – she continues to practice her fingering throughout the day.
A small detour to playfully rib Reina – one of very few people she trusts with her hands.
Taki’s hands recall times past before moving forward to the current day competition.
The ever-wavering president, Haruka, finally lifts her hand with conviction to calm the band and bring full attention to herself.
Again, Reina trusts Kumiko’s hands in a personal way – asking her to tie her hair back.
Taki’s hands come together to bring reassurance and cohesion among the band before the competition…
…and then they separate to lead Kitauji to their goal.
The other person Kumiko trusts with her hands, Shuuichi, bumping hands to provide reassurance.
Of course, the hands that perform the music in the first place.
And Taki’s hands leading the group, moving with the confidence that comes from experience watching them grow.
They may not be playing, but Natsuki and Hazuki’s hands come together as a form of group cohesion, too.
Midori’s hands have gone through the harshest time, but they move forward with their goals regardless.
Finally, Reina’s hands deftly perform the key solo at the end of the piece, a close-up scene that meticulously recreates the solo in animated form.
And eventually, Taki’s guidance lets the musicians go, their stress, trials, and tests from the past few months over in a simple gesture of the hand.
Far Greater Value 