What still strongly impressed on my mind is the contrast of colors in the last half - blue and orange. In the scenes where boys and girls need to voice their thoughts and feelings to friends, the background is in incredibly beautiful blue. As Japanese people do not usually express themselves explicitly due to a high-context culture, such communication is very special and sublime. Reina's white dress is seen like emerald green on a dusky mountain road, reflecting a deep blue night. Meanwhile, a scenery of festival is enfolded by warm orange color.
The tone of voice is also impressive. Kumiko's voice is always in a low tone and in indecision, which makes her words natural as a high school student who feels unsure about her future. Reina's decisive words which are also only a student would use in a confident tone make a good contrast.
And the ending scene. Instead of using the usual ending song, a brass duet played by Kumiko and Reina is used, with scenes of themselves as well as their friends at the festival. We understand what is happening and what is communicated among the girls in a blue or orange background with the brass sound, without any words.
By the way, the music used in the ending scene is originally a song by Hanako Oku, a popular musician. She played the trumpet when she was a student. Another trivia is that Asuka's line "Yattaze, Katochan" is from a popular performance by Cha Katoh, a member of a comedian group "The Drifters," in the early 1970s. He aspired to be a trombone player when he was young.
Sound! Euphonium 8th episode
(June 22, 2016, link updated)
