Neon Genesis Evangelion and Classical Music – A Perfect Match

A look at how the music of Neon Genesis Evangelion creates such a perfect atmosphere for the show and how it reflects the characters.

Introduction

Anime and Classical music might seem like an unlikely combination, but for Neon Genesis Evangelion fans, the two go hand-in-hand. The iconic anime series is set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world where giant robots called Evangelions are humanity’s last hope against giant monsters called Angels.

But it’s not just the action scenes that make Evangelion so captivating – the series also features a stunning soundtrack that includes some of the most memorable pieces of classical music ever composed. From Bach’s “Air on the G String” to Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9 in D Minor,” the music of Evangelion has had a lasting impact on both anime and classical music fans alike.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular pieces of classical music featured in Evangelion, and why they work so well within the context of the show.

A Brief History of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a 1995 anime series, created and directed by Hideaki Anno, and produced by Gainax. It is set in a futuristic Tokyo in the year 2015, and focuses on the activities of the paramilitary organization Nerv as they defend the city against giant monsters known as Angels.

The series was a commercial success, and its popularity led to it being adapted into a feature film, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, in 2007.

Classical music plays an important role in Neon Genesis Evangelion. The series’ opening theme is “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”, a song written by composer Shiro Sagisu and performed by Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi. The song has become an iconic part of the franchise, and has been covered by numerous artists.

In the course of the series, various other pieces of classical music are used as background music or diegetic music, including works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giuseppe Verdi, Modest Mussorgsky, Richard Wagner, and Edvard Grieg.

The Music of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is an anime series set in a post-apocalyptic world where giant monsters called Angels wreak havoc on humanity. The series follows the story of a group of young pilots who are tasked with saving the world from the Angels.

The music of Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the show’s most iconic elements. The series’ composer, Shiro Sagisu, drew inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, including classical music. Many of the show’s iconic tracks feature classical music excerpts, including “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and “Sakura Nagashi.”

Sagisu’s use of classical music in Neon Genesis Evangelion helped to create a unique and unforgettable soundtrack that perfectly compliments the show’s dark and atmospheric setting. If you’re a fan of Neon Genesis Evangelion, or if you’re simply looking for some great anime-inspired classical tunes, be sure to check out the incredible music of Neon Genesis Evangelion!

The Relationship Between Neon Genesis Evangelion and Classical Music

Since its debut in 1995, the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion has been a global phenomenon, captivating fans with its unique blend of mecha action, psychological drama, and religious symbolism. One of the most striking elements of the show is its use of classical music, which often enhances the emotional power of key scenes. In this article, we explore the relationship between Neon Genesis Evangelion and classical music, and how this musical pairing creates a powerful and moving experience for fans.

The use of classical music in Neon Genesis Evangelion is not simply a matter of following trends or pandering to otaku tastes; rather, it is a deliberate choice that serves to heighten the emotional impact of the show. Executive producer Hideaki Anno is a well-known fan of classical music, and he has said that he chose to use it in Evangelion because it would add an extra layer of depth and meaning to the story.

Many of the pieces used in Evangelion are well-known works by famous composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. However, what makes these pieces truly effective is the way they are used within the context of the show. For example, Bach’s “Air on the G String” is used in a key scene where the character Rei Ayanami is lying in hospital after being seriously injured. The slow and peaceful pace of the music creates a sense of tranquility, which contrasts with Rei’s painful injuries and serves to emphasize her fragility.

In another scene, Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 7” accompanies a montage of characters preparing for battle. The heroic rhetoric of Beethoven’s music perfectly captures the resolve of these characters as they face an uncertain future.

The use of classical music in Neon Genesis Evangelion not only adds an extra level of emotionality to the show, but also helps to create a unique atmosphere that is unlike anything else in anime. It is this combination of factors that makes Neon Genesis Evangelion such a timeless classic.

Conclusion

After watching Neon Genesis Evangelion, it’s easy to see why some fans might think that the show is perfect for classical music. The show is full of intense, emotional moments, and the music often reflects this. In addition, the characters are often shown studying or playing classical instruments, which gives the music an added layer of meaning.

However, it’s important to remember that there is no one perfect type of music for any show or film. It’s all about personal preference. So if you’re a fan of Neon Genesis Evangelion and you like classical music, then by all means, go ahead and listen to it while you watch the show! But if you prefer other genres, that’s perfectly fine too.