Your Lie in April Opens Perfectly

[@monoverantus]

7:07 I appreciate the honesty, and as someone who HAS the knowledge about classical music, plus 15 years of experience playing the Moonlight Sonata, I can confirm that you indeed got the broad strokes right but the details wrong XD

[@ExplanationPointAnime]

Something something Socrates, something something wise man knows he knows nothing!

[@bygon432]

What did he get wrong? I thought it sounded alright

[@monoverantus]

@@bygon432 The overview of the sonata form is generally correct, but almost nothing about how it applies to the Moonlight Sonata is. Some errors are superficial: it's "triplets", not "triads", and both themes are in the treble (the bass is the whole-notes played underneath). But crucially, I think EP might have confused keys with chords, because the two themes are certainly not in different keys. The whole piece does go through some slight key changes, but the two themes are always in the same key/chord, and it ends in the same key as it started (though significantly changed by moving theme 2 to the bass). So unfortunately, the whole metaphor about comparing it to the characters doesn't really work : /

[@shirothesandwich]

@@monoverantus Hello, I don’t usually reply, but since I am also a musician, and a pianist at that, I felt qualified to answer too. I’m not sure I agree with your critiques. In the case of what he said, triads actually work because the base chords are broken up triads put into triplets. And if you look at 8:03, he did make a treble clef for both the “middle voice” and the soprano melody part, and I think was just using “bass” and “treble” to denote their pitch contrast. And for your supposed crucial point, if you are looking at this in terms of analysis in classical music theory, he is correct that the second theme is in a different key due to modulation at least in the exposition. Chords can change within a key, but a key is established through the establishment of a tonic through the chords, which can sometimes literally happen within a single measure. In fact, a large part of sonatas is how they use key changes as a part of the narrative (eg. The key of the second theme in the exposition is usually the dominant, or in this case, the dominant but in minor (oooh fancy), but in the recapitulation, Theme 2 is played in the tonic.) So I do actually think his comparison of the characters to the sonata form was actually very clever and a cool way of thinking about things. Maybe you’re thinking of different terminology from me, but at least within classical music, this is all pretty standard. Edit: Sorry for the month later reply lol I just happened to see this.

[@monoverantus]

@@shirothesandwich I'm sorry, but I don't understand your point. Can you name a specific measure where the two themes are in different keys?

[@connorwalters9223]

The Return of the King

[@jr637-1]

While Saki's eyes are n't had me busting out laughing. Excellent delivery.

[@ChronoShadow69]

I love the little gags, love the super deep dives, and most of all love the tiny playing-with-the-english-language jokes ("While Saki's eyes are-..n't") in all your videos! You were right, this one DID come out pretty good! Hope things go smooth for ya wherever they can!

[@ExplanationPointAnime]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ramsey276one]

3:39 the visuals XD

[@paaperman]

I love how you are able to write about things you dislike, but talking almost exclusively about the positives of that thing. Good stuff... keep writing, keep editting.

[@clownshoes351]

Never seen another creator say and imply so much in such fast but concise and easy to digest way.

[@noelleengle3557]

As a classical musician myself, watching this show as a young musician years ago helped me to navigate a lot of the trauma I had related to music and my instrument due to the high pressure and stress of the world of classical music. My love for the show has very little to do with the Kaori or Kosei’s mother as I felt that while one person ended up helping Kosei and the other hurt him, both were using Kosei to find themselves without much concern for his feelings. Ultimately, I deeply connected with Kosei’s character arc and inner journey as he re-explored what music meant to him on his own terms rather than finding music through his mother or Kaori. I felt your analysis of Moonlight Sonata was really excellent and explained very well for a non-classical musician audience. I had never really made the connection of sonata form to Kosei’s relationships. I would love it if you ever got the chance to make videos about the other musical selections in the show. I think there’s a lot of deep meaning and themes in those as well that I’d be interested to hear your perspective on.

[@takeruinae]

I recently did a rewatch of this show, and that viewing along with this video has recontextualized many of the scenes and themes of the show. When I watched it as it was airing, I also couldn’t get behind the “gag” scenes of characters hitting Kousei as it normalized/made light of serious abuse that depicted in scenes with Kousei and his mom. The theming seemed messy to me at the time. And it still is, but I think the show still has some valuable lessons about life/death, grief, and purpose. The music has always been baller tho👌

[@bnuuyliker]

Your Lie in April was the first anime I ever watched-definitely not the best possible start, but the John Green analogy is apt; I was in seventh grade and immediately hooked by the artistry and melodrama of it all. I really admire your work on this video, and I think it has reignited some passion for improving my craft that I lost a while ago. I’ve learned a lot from your videos about media analysis, and I like to think I’ve successfully applied what I learned to my own literary analyses offline. But your ability to weave disparate threads and craft a satisfying narrative *at the same time* is unmatched. This shit takes so much time and effort, so I hope you’re taking care of yourself. All the best, and congrats on making another banger

[@partimentieveryday]

As a classical pianist, I hated the show, because music was never presented as the point. It was only ever a metaphor or a means to an end. Music is an object in and of itself. It’s not a show about music, it’s a show about teenagers and their particular aesthetic just happens to be “classical music” whatever that means. Great video though! Glad ur still posting!

[@dontmisunderstand6041]

If the point of the show was the music, it wouldn't be a show, it'd be a piece of music.

[@fndmaioli]

What then would be an example of a show (be it anime, manga or whatever media) where music is actually the end point? I'm genuinely curious

[@partimentieveryday]

​@@dontmisunderstand6041 I think that's being a bit... conservative? I think it's definitely possible to tell a story about music. I think Amadeus is a great example of getting that right. It's not so serious that it can't have fun, and you can feel the warmth and reverence with which they regard music.

[@partimentieveryday]

@@fndmaioli Amadeus and Whiplash come to mind immediately. As for anime, YLIA is the only one that I've watched (didn't finish) that deals with music, so I can't say. I know there's a lot of other popular ones, but from what I've seen I doubt I'd like them. That's totally fine, I get it. Music isn't easy to write about. It carries no visual quality, and is, unfortunately, the most difficult artform to participate in.

[@alenor210]

That feels kinda reductive. Music, and all art really, cannot exist in a vacuum, it’s existentially tied to people. People create art, enjoy it, replicate it, perform it, are inspired by it; it’s thought and feeling and experience distilled into a single work. I don’t think that music CAN be the point since music is an expression of the human experience. How can you draw your reflection without drawing yourself?

[@danielblair5970]

I really appreciate that you found things you liked about this anime. While I agree it wasn't a great choice to make an anime glorifying the Manic Pixie Dream Girl thing, I think Your Lie In April was exactly what I needed after losing a close loved one. It helped me process things in a way I didn't anticipate.

[@podemosurss8316]

6:11 That's the thing: what Beethoven played was never nonsense, but actually excellent music that he just came up with on the spot! He was a true genius, and probably the pinnacle of classical music.

[@partimentieveryday]

Beethoven was a great improviser because it was expected of all Viennese musicians, but he actually spent an abnormal amount of time editing his compositions for the time

[@Giraffinator]

It's like being a dungeon for months on end with nothing but maggot-filled hard tack to keep you alive but when they finally feed you they give you a feast made with the finest ingredients from around the world and prepared by the most illustrious and award-winning chefs mankind has ever produced.

[@gimlis_beard1771]

I'm always happy to see another Ex-point video! I love how knowledgeable you are on what you present while the script writing and editing make it really enjoyable and entertaining to watch.

[@tno1990]

It's hard to commente on video I know you worked so hard about , because there is so much to say , I will summarize: amazing analysis, very enlightening, makes me look on the series with new appreciation , great editing, great jokes , the only downside is that now I'm hungry for more! You did an amazing work 👏

[@branmuffinyogurt9368]

My friends always were confused on why I said I didn’t like Your Lie in April and this video helped me to communicate that. Really didn’t like the girl and felt that she was pushing around the MC. I do agree that the presentation is wonderful, so it makes me sad that I can’t enjoy it as much as others.

[@UnliVW]

This is funnily enough the exact reason I like the show a little more than it maybe deserves. Kaori isn't just there to fix kousei, she ultimately wants to play a duet alongside the unrivalled pianist who helped inspire her. You could reasonably rewrite the show from her perspective, in which it would be the story of a girl who reinvents herself and struggles to keep up a facade in pursuit of her last wish all while racing against the clock of her failing body.

[@branmuffinyogurt9368]

@@UnliVW I can see that, but I still dislike the selfishness of the motivation that causes her to treat this abused guy in such odd ways. I’m very happy that others are able to get a happier view of it and am open to my perspective being challenged

[@greenwarrior33]

The former patron and song was sadder than anything in Your lie in April

[@imaytag]

I was so excited to see this pop up in my feed, your analysis videos are always a delight and this did not disappoint.

[@cameronjadewallace]

Man, I didn't know when I woke up that I needed this so much... But I did. Thank you so much.

[@Joust149]

It's always a good day when this channel gets a new video. Love the depth of analysis, love the humor.

[@ExplanationPointAnime]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@unformedeight]

Showing Serenity when speaking about fireflies, gives me warm feelings

[@maytalacedo2942]

The presentation of the animation of this anime is so gorgeous. So much watercolor.

[@jaydinotjd]

I remember when I first watched Your Lie in April and like most of it for me was “omg it’s so pretty :0” and then I thought about it a bit longer and had a “wait a minute” moment But I’m so glad that it has those themes within its music like that’s awesome I knew a little bit about some classical history but I didn’t know it played such an important role in the anime I’m glad to see any videos from you no matter how much time you need to produce it Please take care!!

[@guywithaguitar8521]

Holy Cow he lives! glad to see you're still doing videos man, hope one of the next ones you do ends up being on SAO Abridged season 2. this last episode fixed one of the worst aspects of the original and made it incredibly emotional.

[@AlwaysTuesday]

I love media analysis and I gotta say you're one of my favorite channels to do it

[@serge263]

Yeah. Classical music leans closer to Metal. That's why I like both Classical and Metal music. Also: Mozart actually had a very dirty sense of humor. I mean, the dude has a song that literally translates to "Lick me in the arsehole".

[@otakunemesis34]

You live and now i have a reason to buy this thing for my memorial.

[@Глеб-и9ъ]

Wonderful video. Thank you for your work. You inspire me

[@Emarella]

Great to see you back in action! Missed your editing jokes and snappy reviews/breakdowns. I totally understand struggling to complete a project that just doesn't want to happen, so I really appreciate your perseverance. I can completely understand dislike of the anime, but I do feel the need to play devil's advocate and defend one of the main points you and many others are bringing up that there is no discernable difference between Kaori and Saki's behavior. I essentially interpret the show as portraying Kaori and Saki as a light and dark side, two different ways the same person could turn out depending on their life choices. The key difference between them is that Saki only ultimately has her own interests in mind. While yes, they both derive their happiness from Kosei, Kaori is genuinely interested in helping draw Kosei out of his depression. She does real good in his life, as you point out, by pushing him out of his comfort zone, which forces him to confront (rather than hide from) his trauma, stand up for himself, and reconnect with music (a former passion he'd lost and nearly forsook altogether). Contrast this, of course, with Saki, who has no concern for how miserable she makes her son. Not to mention, Kaori never derives her identity and meaning from Kosei; he's her inspiration, but not her whole world. She has interests, beliefs, and a personality built outside of him. Contrast this with Saki, where the only thing she's really living for and the only value in her life she sees is how Kosei lives out her dream. I think this is the real reason why the show can hold up Kaori as a "glorified" character to be praised.

[@realperson69]

Always glad to see an Expoint video.

[@therussianprincess7036]

Gods I just love the way you phrase things. Your writing and presentation skills are unparalleled, and the aesthetics unmatched 😂

[@SilverAlex92]

Awesome video! You really condensed how I feel about the series and explained a lot about music and how it was so intertwined into the writing of the series

[@-_-0.0-_-]

the amount of editing you put into this is crazy and makes it super fun to watch

[@jerbear7177]

The Mountain Goats reference fuck I love your channel so much I have watched every one of your videos multiple times you are so underrated

[@-droid-j7-225]

Idk why but the the arrrr…nt joke when you where talking about the eyes at around 10min had me rolling…great video!

[@ElysianLys]

Welcome home, my man. So glad to have you back.

[@hirosoli]

I love your editing style!

[@Ramsey276one]

5:54 The Duel Links quote! XD

[@alsostevenrodriguez9234]

Thank goodness, I subbed last week and thought it be pointless since I didn’t think you’d upload again.

[@NoiseDay]

Thanks for the video My brain is too used up to formulate a comment that can articulate all that I feel about this topic. So I shall say: I like it. I like that you talked about this show I didn't finish but had an impact on me and that you talked about music theory.

[@DingoDummy2026]

I love the way you use googly eyes, they always makes me laugh

[@essidus]

Hey ExP! Thanks for the video!

[@Hotshot2k4]

Really enjoyed this video, and happy to see more from you. I dropped this show before finishing it because I think I also didn't like the 'manic pixie dreamgirl' vibes that girl was giving off, so this video also served as a decent-enough synopsis for the plot as well, as far as I'm concerned!

[@Dektheweeb]

YES FINALLY AN UPLOAD

[@harenava1451]

LETS GOOOOO THE KING RETURNS

[@RevelationsPrimo]

6:02 "You think you're hot stuff?? I bet you can't play NONSENSE" 😂😂💀

[@boneatled]

i missed these videos

[@ProudlyIdiotic]

'Morally questionable' and shows magus bride How you hurt me so

[@lasthaven7]

Tbf, even AMB treats the romance as morally questionable, with multiple characters warning that the bond is emotionally codependent and can lead to harm on both sides. The narrative then backs this up when both characters feel hurt and betrayed by the other and after they reconcile the two gaining separate friends and spending time apart is treated like a good thing.

[@lordoflosttime]

As a performer, this show should have been gold to me. But I left the series feeling let down. The mother was definitely one reason, but maybe I was feeling more issues with Kaori, like you explained, than I first thought. I was thinking about going back and giving it a second shot, but maybe not.

[@Rick0809v4]

Bro, this is the first notification I've gotten for your channel in SIX YEARS. I thought you quit KZbin lol

[@ChaosPhoenix11]

New Explanation Point video in 2023?! LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@nef36]

So I saw a blue dot on your channel and I clicked it, having completely forgot this video was an Expoint video lmao.

[@ismaelvega6880]

I like your lie because I'm a classical musician. I always separated music in 2 camps when I'm performing music I play for a grade and music I play cuz it's fun. It's that duality I saw in the anime and why I enjoyed it. Bur now I got my bachelor's so no more playing shit for a grade thank God cuz that shit always had me losing my shit

[@kageonishinobi]

If you ever do another musical based anime I think it'd be really cool to collab with the creator 12tone. He'd be able to give some insight on the music while you cover the literary and visuals.

[@noampresnete8677]

"joined together" you just had to be like this, you monster. and to kumiko no less!

[@gr8aussief--kup]

One that I feel works similar to the themes you are talking about is kids in the slope

[@confusedbear2368]

Good job! This video was really enjoyable

[@HoduAphrodite]

"Diametrically opposed... Foes" - and then I lost it

[@MRDLT00]

6:55 yeah I've noticed how a lot of anime tries redeeming or even promotes abusive, evil parent figures. Happens in shows like Assassination classroom. 😬

[@makbones3481]

It’s been a while man, glad to have you back 😊

[@podemosurss8316]

A Spanish musician once made a video analysing Your Lie in April's OP.

[@pandagamer-hg5be]

0:48 counterpoint: Chainsawman is about the exact opposite

[@Jal_Ei]

Thank you for ANOTHER banger vid 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@DingoDummy2026]

When I first saw the title, I immediately remembered the stupid shot of the MC accidentally taking a pic of the girl's underwear and getting beat up for it, and I thought "oh god, explanation point is gonna have a bad take." Thank god I was wrong; I even discovered why the show made me uncomfortable at various times. Thanks for the great analysis!

[@clottedscream]

yay expoing is back

[@Akbar_and_Shaa]

I literally will watch a show for the sole reason to see what this channel will say about it and if i agree or feel UNYIELDING RAGE ten of ten channel

[@dragonsreingsupreme1]

Hearing you talk about the music really hammered in how ridiculous the titles are

[@usernamemctypey428]

"Shows that glorify this kind of attitude" Ah yes, Chainsaw Man, the show where the larger than life female figure literally grooms a child and makes him risk his life on a daily basis under the threat of death, truly glorifying this kind of attitude.

[@PixelHeroViish]

A number of the Fans I've seen online certainly do 🤭🤭 It's rather silly

[@blackheart5842]

Now I have to watch Your lie in april

[@SuperKeenR]

Glad to see you back! And reviewing one of my top 5 animes as well 😁

[@MonkeyMaster88]

11:44 Oh shit she dies? Maybe I should watch this show...

[@starsinajamjar]

My primary association for Moonlight Sonata will forever be "D'you know something Schroder? I think the way you play the piAAAAAAAAAAAAAANo is. Nice. :)" so that was just playing on the background radio of my mind this entire video. I have. Thoughts. About the basic premise and major writing decisions of Your Lie In April. Unfortunately none of them relate to this tightly constructed video about the role of music history and classical music structure in the presentation of this anime. If I wanted to properly enumerate my grievances, I'd just have to make My Own Video. Which is a very annoying position to be in. Plz brain, I wish to contribute, not derail........

[@danikahicks2210]

Today is a better day bc u are back. Welcome back~♡

[@thebasementweeb4909]

OH MY GOSH HE LIVES

[@A114N8D]

Man, the "humanizing the child abuser" part really gets in my nerves. Great show. Even better video, keep up the good work.

[@midwesternpolymath]

HE HATH RETURNED

[@Pseudo921]

Small correction, even though your translation of the name of the song is on point, it's only correct if you consider just the technical side of things, "Quasi una Fantasia" is Italian for "Almost a Fantasy". I I can't know if that was the intention of the writers, much less of Bethoven, but I feel it is worth mentioning.

[@ianstauffer2804]

9:25 i caught that little hamilton bit, i see you

[@thegamingpotato4286]

I will see you all next year

[@foxtattoo7516]

Its shinichirō watanabe anime, you know music is gonna be superb.

[@dumendlovu3629]

6:14 I don’t know why that improv joke triggered me

[@robstewartstewart98]

Does the moon hit the eyes of the characters of Your Lie In April like a big pizza pie?

[@lukewood7341]

I almost did a spit take on "Life is No"

[@ExplanationPointAnime]

Was proud of that one, yeah!

[@BakedBanana]

oh wow.

[@34959]

6:21 his mom wanted him to become an mp3 file

[@houxli]

Good stuff

[@songsofcolor]

HE’S BACK JUST IN TIME FOR MY ANNUAL YOUR LIE IN APRIL REWATCH 😍

[@Axolautism]

I deeply love YLIA but Saki's redemption is the worst part of it every single fucking time I watch it, it's truly an awful way to handle her and what she did to Kousei

[@PixelHeroViish]

Interesting cuz I didn't see the whole thing as a redemption and more as a recontextualization, cuz I for one hated her even more afterwards Of course that's just me

[@Valerie-g3g]

Comment for engagement!!! Your videos rock, dude

[@ExplanationPointAnime]

Thank you for the engagement!!

[@shineyluna1268]

wonderful video very good!

[@hashtagwoke8506]

These super deep dives are fun but I think they miss the point for what actually make these shows work and why they connect to their audience

[@poppledirac]

This was fantastic, and also dear lord I want to know what you think/thought of "Nodame Cantabille"

[@thinBillyBoy]

All this time I thought it was you lie in April as in you just lie down. FUCK

[@Freiya-]

Based, missed ya!!

[@Ramsey276one]

Are there enough Anime with a month in the title to make a calendar?

[@ThmSphone]

Oh yeah, the discount 3-gatsu no Lion turned into a chimera with some Hibike Euphonium mixed in? It does have some classical bangers tho

[@viledestroyerx8441]

JOHN MULANEY?!??

[@Agus-gx4xu]

I couldnt watch this anime. When the protagonists meet each other. Protagonsit kun saw under the skirt of the girl by mistake. She said "baka" and something died inside of me.

[@DomyTheMad420]

y'kno, i've never seen this anime. but i'll watch this video because: A: You're from the same cuntry as i am. (f*cking belgië) B: Your analysis of media is great

[@swissguy743]

I do not understand your criticism of the character, Kosei’s mother, because the writer gave her depth instead of making her a caricature. Kosei’s mother was not always a bad character. She did not intend to make her play with the beginning. As the second part of the anime continues, we discover more emotional and tender shots between Kosei and his mother. These are snapshots that do not include the time before her illness. But when she fell ill, she began to abuse her son more and more during the last year or two of her life, as her illness worsened. The idea of psychological and physical abuse in order for children to be able to earn a living by doing their jobs is something that is very widespread, especially in Eastern societies, in addition to the fact that Kosi’s mother was famous and very successful, something that is not related to her dreams, of course. This is not a defense of domestic abuse, but I like that the writer did not limit himself to creating the character of a flat abusive mother.