Stirring emotions through its character stories, Do You Like Brahms? threads on pursuing dreams and bottled romantic feelings.
By the time I got to watch Do You Like Brahms?, I am admittedly exhausted previewing all the new Korean dramas for August 2020.
Thankfully, it was a soothing series and I have quite a penchant for classical music. Although, the drama evidently flows to a dominant poignant riffs, it interestingly engrosses. Probably because the characters have such strong sad stories that viewers would be keen to listen to.
Do You Like Brahms Opening Week Story
After earning a Business course degree,, Chae Song Ah (Park Eun Bin) decides to pursue another degree in Classical Music because of her love for playing the violin.
In her senior year, they are set for a performance with Park Joon-young (Kim Min Jae), a celebrated pianist. However, the crude conductor finds the orchestra’s string part too loud. Hence, he cuts two people in the violin lineup and chose the last two violinist at the back to be removed from the performers.
In the brink of tears, Song Ah appeals to stay, but end up leaving the orchestra through the conductor’s decision. After the concert, she meets her friend Min-seong who took time to watch her first performance.
She has also dragged Joon-young for some photo opportunity. Riding on Song Ah’s supposed “first performance”, Joon-young who witnessed her humiliation during the practice session, praises Song Ah. Thereby, saving Song Ah’s face further.
Träumerei
Mulling over her options after graduation, Song Ah failed to be admitted to an overseas internship she applied for. But, she is still determined to pursue her goal. She takes an internship at Kyunghoo Cultural Foundation to help in events planning.
Lauded as a piano prodigy since he was young, Joon-young has used his skills to help in the finances of his family. His life growing up is all about overseas tours. Hence, he has decided a year of sabbatical, and finish the last semester of his studies at the same school as Song Ah.
The only bright note in his routine life is his friendship with Jung-kyung (Park Ju Hyun) and Hyun-ho (Kim Sung Cheol). His two best friends who are also lovers. But he and Jung-kyung share an untold secret that might hurt Hyun-ho.
For her internship at Kyunghoo Cultural Foundation, Song Ah will be coordinating with the three friends for a project. In the process, she discovers the complicated emotional entanglement that might severe the trio’s strong bond once unraveled.
At the same time, Song Ah and Joon-young are also creating an affinity that could grow more. Incorporating that to the hinted hidden feelings of the six characters in the series, the narrative might hit chaotic notes, once what all the characters’ genuine feelings are out in the open.
Opening Week Peak Points & Musings
Do You Like Brahms presents us a modern melodrama that would not wear out our tear ducts, yet remain emotionally affecting just the same.
Notably, two love triangles are noticeable to emerge in the series. A subtle reference to the mention of Brahms-Clara-Schumann story in the opening week.
While Song Ah struggles to achieve her dream, she amazingly cultivates the motivation to go on. Despite fighting alone, she perseveres to claim her one and only dream.
In contrast, Joon-young who is blessed with opportunities since he was young lacks the spirit to keep going. He wants to find the meaning of music which has become less exciting for him.
I have seen Park Eun Bin in serious, comical, vulnerable and other roles. I am impressed on how she makes sure that she will be different to a new character she will give life to. In the case of Do You Like Brahms? – the actress has presented the fortitude and weakness of her character.
Both interestingly reeled me in to empathize in her current predicament. Instead of pursuing a normal career job, she pushes for a new dream which appears to be going bleak at every turn. Whether she will make a miracle for herself and who knows find love in the process, is a welcome plot bend I’d gladly accept.
Likewise, Kim Min Jae is owning his conflicted role of a man deemed successful, but can’t find his self in those victorious feats.
This series has a calming effect, I think because of its well-selected music. Apart from that, the highs and lows of people in the world of classical music also contribute to that vibe.
With its sedated tone, the romance stories to shape up might be of different symphonies. It could go sweet as cloud nine or awry like a sad classical music masterpiece. Initially, I have reservations to watch this series. But, I think it will not go too dramatic like the usual tearjerkers.
Do You Like Brahms? airs on SBS every Wednesday and Thursday.
Photos: SBS
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