Ep 1. An Unbelievable Prelude

Hino Kahoko is a high school student who's always been more interested in her grades than in music. However, all of that changes when she's chosen to participate in Seisou Academy's music competition. In La Corda d'Oro ~primo passo~ season 1 episode 1, An Unbelievable Prelude, we see Kahoko stumble her way into the competition by accident. She doesn't even know how to play an instrument, but somehow ends up with a magic violin that can be played by anyone.

The episode starts with Kahoko struggling to keep up with her schoolwork when she comes across a strange competition announcement. It piques her interest, but she's not sure if it's worth her time. However, fate seems to have other plans for her when she runs into a fellow student, Len Tsukimori, who plays the violin beautifully. Kahoko is captivated by his music and decides to follow him when he disappears into the school's music room.

There, she finds a group of students rehearsing for the competition and is surprised to learn that they're using an old violin. Kahoko isn't sure what to think of the situation, but when Len challenges her to play the violin, she does surprisingly well. Her performance is aided by the appearance of an enchanted spirit, which seems to give her the ability to play flawlessly.

Kahoko is stunned by this turn of events, but even more so when she's told that the violin chooses its player. The magic instrument in her hands is a rare 'stradivarius' which was once owned by a music prodigy. Despite her lack of experience, Kahoko is quickly drawn into the competition and decides to enter in hopes of proving herself.

An Unbelievable Prelude sets the stage for the rest of the season, introducing us to the cast of characters who'll be competing for the prize. Kahoko's newfound passion for music is challenged by her lack of experience, and she's constantly forced out of her comfort zone in order to improve. The story explores themes of hard work, dedication, and the importance of passion, which Kahoko begins to understand as she delves deeper into the world of music.

In this episode, we also see the tension between Kahoko and Len. Len is a talented violinist, but he's very cold and aloof towards the other students. He sees Kahoko as a rival and is constantly challenging her to improve her skills. Despite this, there's a hint of something more beneath their rivalry, and it's clear that they'll play a big part in each other's lives as they journey towards the competition.

An Unbelievable Prelude sets the tone for the rest of the series, introducing us to a magical world of music and competition. The show is both inspiring and entertaining, with beautiful music performances and characters that are easy to root for. Kahoko's journey of self-discovery is relatable to anyone who's ever had to venture outside their comfort zone to pursue their passions. This first episode is a great starting point for a show that's sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.