La Corda d'oro: Primo Passo, Collection One

This delightfully bizarre anime series offers a refreshing change of pace, with otherworldly characters who are playful rather than destructive. Female heroine Hino is aided by a tiny fairy named Lili (male, despite the name), who gives her the gift of a magical violin. Although she has no musical ability, Hino now appears to be extremely talented because of the instrument, which enables her to gain acceptance to her school's highly prestigious music program (the series serves up generous helpings of classical music). Notwithstanding Lili's mischievous antics, the series offers a surprisingly honest view of teenage angst and peer pressure, as much of the comedy and light drama derive from Hino trying (not always successfully) to figure out how she can fit into this highly unlikely setting without Lili's help, as well as gain the attention of the hunky boys who populate the school orchestra. Compiling 13 episodes from the 2006 first season in a two-disc set, in Japanese with English subtitles, rated 13-up, this is highly recommended. [Note: La Corda d'oro: Primo Passo, Collection Two is also newly available.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)